A government backbencher has been sworn in as the temporary health minister.

Neville Tyrrell will act in place of Kim Wilson, who is off the island until September.

The Warwick South Central MP was sworn in last Wednesday.

David Burt, the Premier, said: “The Bermuda Constitution affords me the right to name members of the legislature, who do not sit in Cabinet, to act for ministers while they travel.

“This has happened in the past when the Junior Minister of Finance acted for various ministers while they were abroad.

Mr Burt added that Mr Tyrrell worked closely with Ms Wilson and that he was sure he would “ably perform in this post for the next two weeks”.