THE former Deputy President of the Legislative Council, Mr John Swaine, yesterday became the first non-government official to take up the presidency of the assembly.
Veteran legislator Mrs Elsie Tu was elected Deputy President.
Mr Swaine and Mrs Tu won their seats with unanimous support from councillors. Their terms expire in 1995.
Mr Swaine said the appointment was ''symbolic of the Legislative Council's progress towards independence from the Executive Council''.
He said: ''It is a great honour to be the first President of Legco and I hope to maintain the tradition of the impartial Speaker.
''I also hope to maintain the dignity and integrity of Legco to continue to serve the public.'' Mr Swaine was joined by fellow-legislators, his wife and son at the reception.