New Legco president Starry Lee said she was sincerely thankful for those who voted for her, while thanking her opponent Ronick Chan for taking part in a rational debate.

The DAB lawmaker was on Thursday elected as the head of the legislature, defeating Chan 47-42 in a vote among fellow legislators.

Speaking to reporters after her victory, Lee said there were many challenges ahead, citing Chief Executive John Lee as saying that lawmakers cannot just be commentators, but must actively offer suggestions and solutions to improve life in the city.

The new president also announced that the first council meeting of the new Legco session would take place on Wednesday, when the government is expected to move a motion on the Wang Fuk Court inferno.

"[For] that meeting, I believe the most important things to handle are to let lawmakers express their views on issues related to the Tai Po fire," she said, adding that she would announce the meeting's agenda in due course.

The former House Committee chairwoman also stressed she would continue to be impartial and fair in presiding over Legco meetings.

She said she had allowed all councillors to speak freely according to council rules, despite her DAB chairmanship or membership over the past nine years.