Losing Smith's South PLP election candidate Lt. Col. David Burch has landed a plum job as Premier Jennifer Smith's right-hand man, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

For -- in a US-style appointment -- ex-Regiment CO Lt. Col. Burch has been made Chief of Staff to Ms Smith's new administration.

And Ms Smith's secretary from the Opposition leader's office, Zina Thomas, is also on the move.

She has crossed the street to Cabinet Office as Ms Smith's personal assistant, despite there already being a Premier's secretary, Veronica Hinds.

The moves are likely to add thousands of dollars a year to the running costs of the Premier's office.

A PLP spokesman yesterday confirmed the new appointments -- and insisted there was no conflict with existing Civil Service posts, which would remain.

He said: "In a phrase, Lt. Col. Burch will be the Premier's chief aide.'' Burch lands plum position And he added among Lt. Col. Burch's duties will be chauffeuring the Premier in her personal Government car, accompanying her to functions and organise her schedule.

The PLP spokesman said both new jobs were provided for in legislation dating from the 1980s -- and that neither were part of the Civil Service.

Lt. Col. Burch -- just appointed a Senator -- has been a constant fixture at Premier Jennifer Smith's side in the first days of the new PLP Government.

And he appeared to take a major role in coordinating the new Premier's movements in public appearances amid massive crowds -- a role normally carried out by an aide-de-camp.

Lt. Col. Burch -- a former insurance executive -- gave up his job to take over command of the Regiment.

Ed Ball Jr., who heads the Bermuda Public Services Association, said he would be monitoring changes to the structure of Government.

He added: "If there are any issues, then certainly they would be voiced through the proper channels.''