MLA’s in Nova Scotia have elected the first woman to serve as speaker at Province House.

Karla MacFarlane will take over the role to referee debate in the legislature.

She resigned her cabinet post as minister of community services last month – just ahead of a cabinet shuffle within the PC government.

The MLA for Pictou West was first elected in 2013.

She takes over the position from Cape Breton MLA Keith Bain.