Derek Burke was born in Shirley and has lived in Southampton all his life. Educated atMerryoak School in the city, he has been a stevedore in the city docks throughout his working life and currently works for Solent Stevedores.

He was first elected to Southampton City Council in 1990 and spent the first four years representing the Millbrook ward before being elected councillor for Bargate in 1997.

He was elected Sheriff in May 1998 but in September was appointed Chair of the Council following the death of the City’s Mayor, Councillor Michael Andrews, in a flying accident. In May 1999 Derek Burke was elected Mayor of Southampton and during his mayoral year represented the city on over 1,000 occasions.

In May 2000 until May 2003, he became the Council’s Executive Member for Leisure and Tourism, with responsibility for Southampton’s indoor and outdoor sporting and recreation facilities, libraries, the City Art Gallery, heritage and culture.