Ernest Peets is to be a senator and the Government Leader in the Upper House, it was revealed tonight.

David Burt, the Premier, said he was “extremely pleased that Dr Peets has accepted this appointment”.

Dr Peets is a certified family therapist, and an internationally certified addiction and drug counsellor.

He is a professional member of the American Counsellors Association, and the American Psychological Association.

Dr Peets, who ran for the Progressive Labour Party in Smith’s North in last month’s General Election, has a background including work on probation and parole in the prison service, the drug treatment court, and therapeutic centres, where he honed his addiction counselling and recovery skills.

He has worked privately at The Counselling Centre, which deals with premarital and family counselling, as well as in divorce recovery and co-parenting.

Dr Peets is the pastor at New Life Church of the Nazarene, a post he took over in 1999.

Dr Peets, a keen footballer, supports football programmes for youngsters and is a certified football coach.

He has been married to Julie, for 23 years and the couple have four children.

Mr Burt said he would ask John Rankin, the Governor, to appoint Dr Peets a minister on Monday, when Dr Peets’ portfolio and areas of responsibility will also be announced.

Mr Burt added: “Bermuda will be well served by the wealth of experience and professionalism that Dr Peets brings to this new phase of his public service.”

Mr Burt appointed Rolfe Commissiong, a former PLP MP, to serve as the Government’s Senate leader and as community and sports minister.

But Mr Commissiong resigned from the role three days later amid controversy over inappropriate remarks made to a female civil servant two years ago.