ANDREW Barr has been elected as the ACT's new Chief Minister, the seventh in the Territory's history.

Mr Barr is the first openly gay head of Government in Australia.

On Wednesday the Labor Caucus elected Mr Barr unopposed as Labor leader and Simon Corbell as deputy leader.

Former chief minister Katy Gallagher announced she would step down from the top role to contest the upcoming Senate vacancy created by ACT Senator Kate Lundy.

In an emotional response to being elected Mr Barr said: "I'm deeply humbled by the responsibility".

"I'm honoured by the results of today's election and I'm deeply grateful for the Assembly's support."

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