Lockwood Smith unopposed for Speaker

Lockwood Smith is expected to be elected Speaker of Parliament today - and although Labour has said it objects it is effectively an empty protest.

Labour does not intend standing anyone against Dr Smith and if there is only one nomination that person is elected without a vote.

The Speaker will be confirmed in a ceremony today and all members of Parliament sworn in before Parliament officially opens tomorrow.

The Speaker is effectively Parliament's referee and Labour leader Phil Goff has previously expressed reservations about Dr Smith's ability to be nonpartisan.