Derrick Burgess has had a meteoric rise to the deputy Premiership, having only entered the Cabinet four years ago.

But in that short period, he has held two crucial posts and beforehand, he had a long tenure as an MP and as president of the powerful Bermuda Industrial Union.

Mr. Burgess has been consistently elected with large majorities in his Hamilton West constituency since first entering the House of Assembly in February, 1998 in a by-election.

At the time he was president of the BIU, which prevented him from taking a Cabinet post.

He became an outspoken critic of then-Premier Dame Jennifer Smith and backed Dr. Ewart Brown in his challenge of Dame Jennifer in 2003.

When Dr. Brown became Premier in 2006, he moved Mr. Burgess into the Labour and Home Affairs Ministry where he had the task of implementing the controversial work permit term limits policy.

After the December 2007 election, Mr. Burgess moved to the Works and Engineering Ministry where he has faced controversy over several building projects.

One of Dr. Brown's strongest allies, Mr. Burgess stood by the former Premier during the Uighur controversy.

Mr. Burgess is married to Brenda and they have three children and five grandchildren.

Mr. Burgess is also a keen golfer and a fanatical supporter of Bailey's Bay Cricket Club.