A second Progressive Labour Party MP has confirmed throwing his hat into the ring for the role of deputy leader when the governing party’s members choose new blood in three months’ time.

Michael Weeks conceded that he was disappointed to lose his national security portfolio after David Burt, the Premier, reshuffled the Cabinet this month.

Ryan Robinson Perinchief has been appointed to the role as a new member of the government senate team in the wake of the resignation of Crystal Caesar as education minister.

Mr Weeks told The Royal Gazette: “Certainly, while I was greatly disappointed to not have an opportunity to complete one or two projects, I choose to respect the Premier's decision.

“My focus now is to support the new minister and continue to serve the people of Bermuda.”

Mr Weeks took on the role in March 2022, after Renée Ming relinquished the job.

He said at the weekend that he was “proud of the work done during my tenure in the ministry” when “we worked hard every day to ensure that our country knew that safety was our No 1 priority”.

“Of course, over the four years, we saw the completion of important tasks and there were also tasks, just as important, that were close to completion at my departure and I had hoped to see them through.

“However, ultimately, ministers serve at the pleasure of the Premier. The Premier reserves the right to make changes to his Cabinet.”

Mr Weeks, dismissed from Cabinet by Mr Burt for a second time after his 2018 ouster from the Ministry of Social Development and Sport, said he was running for deputy party leader “because I firmly believe in serving our party and our country in a bigger way”.

“The role of the party leader is to shape the direction for the party and for the country and to communicate the direction and policies. The role of the deputy party leader is to support that vision internally.

“That means working to keep our party unity across all 36 constituencies, understanding that each area has different issues and making sure that every voice is heard.”

He added: “There is nothing wrong with having differing opinions but once the direction is agreed upon, we must row in the same direction.”

The governing party faces a major shake-up this October at its delegates’ conference when Mr Burt steps down as leader.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, is in the running to succeed him, as well as Curtis Dickinson, the former Minister of Finance. Lawrence Scott, a former transport minister, is also a contender for deputy leader.

Mr Weeks said of the PLP: “Like all families, we have our share of issues. But, generally speaking, the PLP is on firm footing.

“A political party must continue to grow and develop and we are doing that. From a positive point of view, there is always room for improvement in any organisation.”

Mr Weeks was elected as MP for Pembroke East Central in August 2010, replacing the late health minister Nelson Bascome.

He said that with his years of experience in the PLP, he could provide “the glue that helps to further unite”.