The road ahead for the Hodgman Government has taken a sudden turn into the unknown, after new Speaker Sue Hickey declared she would vote independently on government bills.

The former Hobart lord mayor became Tasmania's new Speaker today after a shock move which stunned her Liberal colleagues.

This evening she addressed the House of Assembly, saying she would not be sitting in Liberal Party meetings and would vote on each bill on its merits.

Ms Hickey was elected with Labor and Green support ahead of former minister Rene Hidding in a move that blindsided a government whose power rests on a one-seat majority.

Key points: Rene Hidding was to be voted Speaker with the support of all 13 Liberal MPs

Rene Hidding was to be voted Speaker with the support of all 13 Liberal MPs Liberal colleague Sue Hickey was nominated by Labor leader Rebecca White

Liberal colleague Sue Hickey was nominated by Labor leader Rebecca White Hickey, with the support of Labor and Greens, won 13 votes to Hidding's 12

The speakership is a prestigious parliamentary position that the Liberal Party had set aside for Mr Hidding.

He gave up his ministerial portfolios in readiness to take on the role, after Premier Will Hodgman announced him as the Government's nominee for the position in March.

Ms Hickey is a recent addition to the Liberal team, winning the seat of Denison at the March 3 state election.

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In a departure from the expected script, Labor Opposition Leader Rebecca White nominated Ms Hickey for Speaker, a move backed by the Parliament's two Greens MPs.

The election was conducted via a secret ballot, but with Labor and the Greens making up 12 votes in the chamber, one Liberal vote would have been needed to elect Ms Hickey.

When the result was announced, Ms Hickey had 13 votes to Mr Hidding's 12.

Sitting in the chamber, Mr Hidding looked less than impressed with his Liberal colleague.

In March, Mr Hidding was talking up his credentials for becoming Speaker, and said his 22 years in Parliament would put him in good stead for the role.

Outside Parliament, he accepted the outcome by saying "that's democracy".

"In democracy, there are uncertain outcomes and I'm OK with that, and I wish Speaker Hickey all the best."

Mr Hidding said he said he was not surprised by the move.

"In politics, if it's possible it can be probable," he said.

Speakership move not planned, says Hickey

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Outside Parliament Sue Hickey said she had not betrayed her Liberal colleagues.

"I've had a vote of confidence from the Parliament," she said.

At lunchtime, Ms Hickey said she was still a member of the Liberal party but was not sure if she would be by the end of the day.

"Not certain, there's a few people a bit grumpy," she said.

Ms Hickey said the speakership was not her idea.

"I don't think you would call it planned at all," she said.

"I'm in shock, I'm very thrilled but I'm still digesting it all."

Ms Hickey also denied she had accepted the nomination because she was grumpy about not being given a portfolio in Will Hodgman's Government.

"No, this is politics," she said.

'Hickey will support Government': Hodgman

As Labor leader Rebecca White exited Parliament, she said she had nominated Sue Hickey because she wanted "a parliament that reflects the will of the people".

Ms White tweeted her pleasure as Ms Hickey's election: "Thrilled an all-women delegation was able to present our new speaker to the Governor. With an independent speaker, Tasmania will have a parliament that reflects the will of the people and acts in the best interest of the public."

Premier Will Hodgman issued a statement to congratulate Ms Hickey and to say she would not disrupt the Government's agenda.

"The Speaker of the House continues to be a member of the Liberal Party, as such, Madam Speaker has provided a guarantee of supply and confidence to my Majority Hodgman Liberal Government," he said.

But Ms Hickey's address on Tuesday tonight indicates she may not be relied on to always serve government interests.