Dennis Lister Jr, the longest-serving Progressive Labour Party MP, has been chosen as the new Speaker of the House after a meeting last week of the PLP caucus.

The PLP Parliamentary Group also endorsed the second longest-serving PLP Member of Parliament, Derrick Burgess, to serve as Deputy Speaker.

Last night’s announcement came as legislators prepare for a return to the House of Assembly on Friday, when the Throne Speech will be delivered under the new PLP Government.

Mr Lister, whose parliamentary career began in 1989, represents Sandys North Central, while Hamilton East MP Mr Burgess, a former president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, became an MP in a 1998 by-election.

The new Speaker replaces Randy Horton, who was appointed to the post in February 2013, with One Bermuda Alliance MP Suzann Roberts-Holshouser as deputy.

David Burt, the Premier, praised the pair for their “unmatched dedication to our community over their decades of service”.

“I have immeasurable confidence in their ability to lead and discharge the duties their positions require with respect and integrity,” Mr Burt added.

“I know they will diligently handle all matters put before them in the House of Assembly and they will continue to work in accordance with the guiding principles of fairness and justice.”

•To read the biographies supplied for the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker, click on the PDF under “Related Media”