Wayne Furbert has been elected as a deputy leader of the Opposition United Bermuda Party, the party announced yesterday.

The Hamilton West MP and former party chairman joins Michael Dunkley, who was elected last year, as a deputy leader.

"In the lead up to the 2003 General Election, the United Bermuda Party operated informally with two Deputy Leaders and a Party Committee has completed the process of formalising the positions through amendments to the Party Constitution," said party chairman Gynweth Rawlins in a press statement.

"I am pleased to announce that Mr. Wayne Furbert has been elected by his Parliamentary colleagues to fill the new deputy leader position."

Mr. Furbert, she added, "makes an outstanding addition to our already formidable leadership team."

Party Leader Grant Gibbons said that Mr. Furbert "has demonstrated leadership through his advocacy of affordable housing and has been relentless in holding the government accountable for its failure to address the problem in Bermuda."

He added: "Wayne brings experience, commitment and compassion for the needs of regular people to this leadership role and represents just one of the strong, capable and qualified potential leaders within the ranks of the United Bermuda Party. The men and women who make up the United Bermuda Party team are a rich, diverse mix that represents 21st century Bermuda. I am proud to welcome Wayne Furbert as a key member of our leadership team."

First elected to parliament in 1993, Mr. Furbert held several ministerial portfolios in the former UBP Government.

He lost his seat in 1998 but was returned to the House of Assembly in last year's General Elections.

Mr. Furbert was elected by his parliamentary colleagues on Thursday evening.

"I am very honoured to be elected by my colleagues. I thank the people of Hamilton West to give me the opportunity to serve them."

As a deputy leader Mr. Furbert said he will be expected to work with the party leader and the party chairman in giving "direction and providing leadership when it comes to the political affairs of the party."