The House is back. Here's what to expect

A drag race, fresh oppo, the budget, throne speech and more

ABOVE THE FOLD

AND WE’RE BACK — After a brief post-campaign summer hiatus, the Legislature gets back into swing today. It’s expected to be a five-week sitting — and rumour has it MPPs might not reconvene again until after the October 24 municipal elections. Here’s what to keep an eye on this session:

— DRAG RACE: The first order of business is to elect a Speaker. That goes down this afternoon at 1 p.m. MPPs will get a chance to nominate contenders to be their chief referee, then cast their secret ballot at the Clerk’s table. To become Speaker, you’d need 50 per cent plus one of the votes. Wannabe Speaker NINA TANGRI spent the summer making her case to MPPs, and most recent Speaker TED ARNOTT had already said he’d take another kick at the can. The winner will get ceremoniously “dragged” to the throne by their nominators, a longtime tradition.

— THE BUDGET: On Tuesday after the Throne Speech (more on that below), Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY will re-table the PCs spring budget a.…