MPs gather to vote for a new speaker

The first task for politicians when they return from the winter break to parliament on Monday will be to select a new Speaker.

Former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop arrives through the House of Representatives doors at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, Aug. 10, 2015. ( AAP) Source: AAP

Choosing a new Speaker to replace Bronwyn Bishop will be the first order of business for the lower house when parliament resumes from its winter break on Monday.

Several candidates have put up their hands for the job but Victorian Liberal MP Tony Smith appears to be firming as the favourite before Monday's party room vote on a new Speaker.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott won't say who should get the job, saying he'll cast his vote like everyone else in the party room.

But he believes the winning candidate must be someone who can best command the respect of both sides of parliament.

Parliament will then pause in memory of West Australian Liberal Don Randall, who died in July.