Dennis Lister Jr and Dennis Lister III became the first father and son to sit in the House of Assembly at the same time.

The two made history yesterday as the new PLP government reopened Parliament after the Throne Speech.

Dennis Lister seconded the nomination of his father by David Burt, the Premier, as Speaker of the House.

Dennis Lister stood by the Premier and his father as the veteran Progressive Labour Party politician took the Speaker’s oath and was officially sworn in.

Once he had taken his position, Dennis Lister Jr addressed MPs saying he was humbled by the support his constituents had shown him over the years.

He urged Parliamentarians to “always represent the people” and thanked them of the “privilege” of being chosen for the position of speaker.

After the new Speaker was officially appointed, Mr Burt took the Premier’s oath before Patricia Gordon-Pamplin was sworn in as the Opposition leader.

All remaining 22 Government MPs then took it in turn to take their Parliamentary oaths, followed by eight of the 12 One Bermuda Alliance MPs.

Absent from the Opposition ranks yesterday were former premier Michael Dunkley, Jeanne Atherden, Trevor Moniz and Craig Cannonier.

Meanwhile in the Cabinet Office, Joan Dillas-Wright was appointed president of the Senate, while independent senator James Jardine was named vice-president.