In chapter one, who do the boys select as a leader?

Ralph is elected as leader by the boys.

'Let him be chief with the trumpet thing!'

Ralph is elected primarily as it was he who blew the conch (albeit with Piggy's instructions) which first called the survivors to order.

This decision does not suit Jack Merridew, the leader of the choirboys, but he is initially satisfied with the decision that he can lead the choir as 'hunters'.

There is clear tension between the chorister group and the others, and it is quite obvious that power struggles are inevitable.