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Tony Smith the frontrunner for Speaker

Victorian Liberal Tony Smith has reportedly firmed as the favourite to become the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, although a close vote was expected.

Several candidates were expected to nominate themselves during a Liberal Party vote on Monday, but the ABC reported Mr Smith had the most votes.

If approved by his party room, Mr Smith would be guaranteed to be elected by the Liberal-controlled Parliament as its 30th Speaker.

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Mr Smith’s competitors reportedly include Russell Broadbent, Andrew Southcott, Ross Vasta and ‘Father of the House’ Philip Ruddock.

Government frontbencher Josh Frydenberg told Sky News Mr Smith, the member for Casey, had his support.

“I’ve made it very clear to my colleagues that I am backing my fellow Victorian Tony Smith,” he said.

“I think he is well credentialed with more than a decade’s experience in the [position of] parliament chairman of the joint committee on electoral matters.”

A majority of MPs contacted by the ABC nominated Mr Smith as their favourite, but there was a note of caution from one of his supporters.

“That assumes that everyone does what they say,” the MP said, “and in politics that is a crazy brave assumption”.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has called for the new Speaker to be barred from attending Liberal party room meetings to ensure an appearance of impartiality.

Prime Minister Abbott refused to enforce it.

“Whether the Speaker is a participant in the party room will be a matter for the Speaker,” Mr Abbott said.

“I think the important thing is that we have a Speaker who can command the Chamber and who can command respect from both sides of politics.”

The decision will be made at 9am Monday morning by 73 Liberal MPs and the Country Liberal Party’s Natasha Griggs.

Nationals MP Bruce Scott will retain the Deputy Speakership.

The Labor Party has not announced if it will field its own candidate for the role.

– with ABC

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