Dr.Karen Cummings was Monday afternoon sworn in as a parliamentarian to replace Debra Backer who has resigned because of ill health, days after Demerara Waves first reported that she was tipped to be the next lawmaker.

Responding to concerns by sections of the society that Cummings was not the right choice because she was the spouse of Peoples Progressive Party Civic candidate, Dr. Emmanuel Cummings, APNU MP Basil Williams said the two have long divorced.

Cummings was sworn in by the Clerk of the National Assembly and she was escorted to her seat in the back bench.
Backer's front bench spot is now occupied by Ronald Bulkan, APNU's Shadow Minister of Local Government.
Williams was also elected to serve as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, a post previously held by Backer.