Cllr Derek Burke was born in Shirley and has lived in Southampton all his life. Educated at Merryoak 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 in May 1999 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.