Michael Dunkley has increased his responsibilities by taking on the role of Shadow Minister for National Security.

The former premier and present One Bermuda Alliance MP for Smith’s North confirmed yesterday that he had been asked to take the job by Jeanne Atherden, the Opposition leader, after the departure of Jeff Baron last week.

Mr Dunkley said he made the decision to accept “to support a strong Opposition”.

He will combine the duties with the government reform portfolio he accepted more than two months ago, following Craig Cannonier’s departure from the Shadow Cabinet.

In July, after the OBA’s landslide defeat in the General Election, Mr Dunkley told then interim party leader Patricia Gordon-Pamplin that he did not want a shadow portfolio.

He explained yesterday: “I made it clear at that time since we only had 12 MPs and three senators that I was happy not to have a shadow portfolio to allow others, especially new politicians, to have the opportunity.

“As an experienced politician and former premier I would help where required.”

Mr Dunkley was tight-lipped when asked to comment on the performance of the OBA in its role as Opposition.

He said: “That is a question best answered by the Opposition leader.”

Justin Mathias, communications officer for the OBA, said that Leah Scott would take over as the shadow for economic development after the resignation of Grant Gibbons this week.

He added: “There will be a reshuffle after the by-elections.”

• UPDATE: This story was amended to make clear that Michael Dunkley already had the government reform shadow portfolio before also accepting the shadow national security role.