John Marek AM: Won the vote

Twenty-seven members voted for Rosemary Butler while John Marek gained 28 votes.

On his victory, John Marek said he would give all members the chance to represent their constituencies and interests "without fear or favour".

Rosemary Butler congratulated him on his victory and said she hoped he would uphold the high standards of his predecessor, Jane Davidson.

Rosemary Butler was sacked this week as education secretary, and opposition parties had questioned how someone fresh out of a Labour cabinet could remain politically neutral as deputy presiding officer.

It is an early blow to a partnership designed to produce an administration with a working majority.

Labour, with 28 members, is short of a clear majority in the 60-member Assembly. Its deal with the Liberal Democrats, who have six members, was intended to provide it with a working majority.

Later on Thursday, the coalition administration will try to refocus on policies as it unveils the first draft of its joint Assembly budget.