NEWPORT Assembly Member Rosemary Butler was yesterday selected to carry out one of the most senior roles in the National Assembly for Wales.

Mrs Butler, the AM for Newport West, was elected unopposed as the presiding officer by the new Assembly with endorsements from across the political spectrum.

The former presiding officer Dafydd Elis-Thomas said Mrs Butler, who was previously his deputy, will have a “very firm hand” in the Assembly.

The presiding officer chairs sessions of the Assembly and is seen as a figurehead of the Assembly.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Butler said it is an “exciting and challenging time” for the country and with new powers the Assembly “must meet the expectations of the people of Wales.”

She joked: “I will defend the rights of back benchers, as well as some ministers.”

Speaking to the Argus, Mrs Butler said she wants to look at ways of of making sure the people of Wales understand what goes on in Cardiff Bay.

She said: “We had the referendum result with a reasonable yes vote and a low turnout. It’s very important that the people in Wales understand what happens here and how it affects their daily lives.”

Lord Elis-Thomas, who ended his work as presiding officer yesterday, said Mrs Butler has a strong presence in meetings: “You can’t mess with her.

You would be very silly to – and you need that.”

Meanwhile Conservative South Wales East AM William Graham, who also lives in Newport, failed in his bid to become deputy presiding officer.

He was beaten to the post by his party colleague from South Wales Central David Melding in a secret ballot ofAMs – 46 votes to 12 with one abstention.