The Progressive Labour Party has been accused of using “old tactics of attack, diversion, distraction and manipulation” after it criticised an Opposition senator.

In a statement on Sunday, a PLP spokeswoman said that Ben Smith “does not represent all of Bermuda”.

The statement was released after it was announced that Mr Smith, referred to as a “son of the soil” by the One Bermuda Alliance, will be the Opposition’s candidate in the Smith’s South by-election on October 5.

The statement went on: “Voters will recall in the 2020 General Election, Ben Smith was featured in a video with his then deputy leader, making xenophobic and erroneous comments about the PLP leader, his family and persons of Caribbean heritage.

“It is a shame that the OBA leadership and the latest Opposition leader, Jarion Richardson, have selected someone who participated in xenophobic attacks.

“The PLP will be announcing our candidate in due course. Rest assured, our candidate will not be a recycled and disrespectful former MP, but rather an inspiring, new face who represents the best of Bermuda.”

Mr Smith featured in a video discussion with Leah Scott, then the OBA’s deputy leader, in the run-up to the October 2020 General Election in which the Jamaican roots of David Burt, the Premier, were raised.

In the video, which was posted on the OBA’s Facebook page, Ms Scott asked: “Wasn’t the Premier born in Jamaica?”

Mr Smith replied that he was. Ms Scott added: “So he’s a first-generation Bermudian, I believe, right?”

When Mr Smith later questioned if some MPs may retire abroad, Ms Scott replied: “Exactly. Including the Premier, who comes from Jamaica. Where is his loyalty?”

Jarion Richardson, the Leader of the Opposition, hit back yesterday.

Mr Richardson said: “In reply to the erroneous information circulated by the Progressive Labour Party in their statement replying to the announcement of Ben Smith as our candidate for Constituency 8, we would like to make certain clarifications.

“The constitution of the One Bermuda Alliance does not permit or allow arbitrary or dictatorial oversight of the party.

“The Candidate Selection Committee invited applicants and, through multiple reviews and interviews, voted. Then only after consultation with the regional and branch officials was the potential candidate ratified.

“Instead of reusing old tactics of attack, diversion, distraction and manipulation, the Progressive Labour Party should simply roll out their candidate.

“The One Bermuda Alliance is happy to leave it to the voters to have their own opinions on the candidates.”