The Legislative Council has a new deputy president – Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest. Ms Forrest was elected in a secret ballot from a field of three. She replaces Greg Hall who recently retired. She will also be chair of committees in the council. “It is an honour to be elected to such a senior position and recognition of my work in the council,” Ms Forrest said. “I appreciate the vote of confidence and support from my colleagues.” Ms Forrest said she was hopeful that the relationship between the government and Legislative Council would become more collaborative. “There is some evidence of improvement but there is still a way to go,” she said. “I will still be scrutinising all legislation and my mantra remains the same that I will fight for everyone and work with anyone. “I don’t care who is in government.” Ms Forrest said she was looking forward to her new roles. “I look forward to being chair of committees and examining health, treasury and state growth at estimates hearings,” she said. Ms Forrest she would watch with interest to see if new Speaker Sue Hickey voted against government legislation. “It will be interesting to see what she does on contentious legislation but it is yet to be seen how she will vote,” she said. Ms Forrest has been in the Legislative Council for 13 years.