KEN Macintosh has been chosen as the new Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament

The contest for the job was between three Labour and two Tory MSPs.

Mr Macintosh, Johann Lamont, Elaine Smith, of Labour and Tories Murdo Fraser and John Scott all put themselves forward for the job.

The former Eastwood Labour MSP, who lost his seat to the Tories last week but was re-elected on the West of Scotland regional list, was the early frontrunner after the first round of voting polling 58 of the 128 cast.

In round one Elaine Smith was eliminated with the fewest votes.

After John Scott was knocked out in round two it came down to Mr Macintosh, Ms Lamont and Mr Fraser.

Mr Macintosh who had twice unsuccessfully bid to be Scottish Labour leader, losing to Johann Lamont in 2011 and Kezia Dugdale finally last year landed the prestigious job with support from many SNP MSPS.

He eventually polled 71 votes in the third round, enough to defeat the two remaining candidates.

Mr Macintosh said: “I’m grateful for the honour and privilege to be the next presiding Officer.”

He joked, with so many new members he would undoubtedly get names and constituencies wrong and asked for patience.

He said: “In the last two days I’ve congratulated two members of the parliament catering staff, a BBC journalist and a royal protection officer working for Prince Charles on their election success.”

Turning to the serious business he said: “I am very conscious each of you has a great responsibility to the people of Scotland. I see my responsibility to help you in that task.”

Ms Marwick handed over the chair to Mr Macintosh and wished him well in what she said was “the best job in Scotland”.

He takes up the post as the first Labour MSP to become Presiding Officer and follows in the footsteps of David Steel, George Reid, Alex Fergusson and Tricia Marwick.

He will receive an extra £45,605 on top of his £60,685 for being an MSP taking his annual earnings to £106,290, the same level as a Cabinet Secretary.