A government minister off work ill for about six months has returned to the job, the Premier announced last night.

David Burt said Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the public works minister, was “back at his desk” after being on sick leave since September.

Mr Burt added that he looked forward to “working with him as we deliver on our Throne Speech and platform promises”.

Mr Burt said: “The Ministry of Public Works plays a critical role in the economic recovery plan and having the substantive minister back is most welcomed.”

He thanked Wayne Furbert, the Cabinet Office minister, who took over Colonel Burch’s portfolio during his absence.

Mr Burt said Mr Furbert had “tackled the role energetically and worked with the team in the ministry through critical periods on the Tynes Bay plan for refurbishment”.

He added: “I must also recognise those public officers in the ministry who provided seamless and dedicated support to the acting minister and the Government during this period. The whole team has worked well.”