Paul Ryan elected as Speaker of the House

Paul Ryan speaks in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/Associated Press)

Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan was elected as the Speaker of the House on Thursday, receiving 236 votes.

"The House is broken, we're not solving problems, we're adding to them. And I'm not interested in laying blame... We are wiping the slate clean," he said after the votes were cast.


 John Boehner hugs his successor Paul Ryan. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press
 (Andrew Harnik/Associated Press)

Mr Ryan, 45, will replace Speaker John Boehner, 65, who made a teary eyed farewell speech as his resignation will come into effect October 31.

The Wisconsin native was chosen by MItt Romney as his vice presidential runningmate in 2012.