“He governed as a conservative.”
Newt never governed.
He was a “speaker”.
The Speaker of the House is in control of the House. The Constitution says “The Speaker and other officers.” Therefore, the Speaker is the LEAD Officer of the House.
And officers OFFICIALLY lead. In the case of the Speaker, he is the presiding officer.
“The Speaker’s powers and duties extend beyond presiding in the chamber. In particular, the Speaker has great influence over the committee process. The Speaker selects nine of the thirteen members of the powerful Committee on Rules, subject to the approval of the conference of the majority party. (The leadership of the minority party chooses remaining four members.) Furthermore, the Speaker appoints all members of select committees and conference committees. Moreover, when a bill is introduced, the Speaker determines which committee shall consider it. As a member of the House, the Speaker is entitled to participate in debate and to vote but, by custom, only does so in exceptional circumstances. Ordinarily, the Speaker votes only when their vote would be decisive, and on matters of great importance (such as constitutional amendments).”
So, yes. Speakers govern the House of Representatives, a terribly difficult job of leading powerful independent men and women. Like herding cats.