The Progressive Labour Party says it has a proven track record of delivering for Bermudians, as the party accused the Free Democratic Movement of making “vague economic promises”.

In a statement, Zane DeSilva, the PLP candidate for Southampton East, accused the FDM of being out of touch with the policies of the ruling party, which he said had led to the reduction of taxes for workers.

It came after the FDM released its economic policy framework on Wednesday in the lead-up to the General Election next month.

Among its plans to reshape the island’s economy, the FDM said it intends to lower payroll tax rates to increase take-home pay for Bermudians.

It said it also intends to provide relief for businesses and cut customs duties for registered businesses.

Mr De Silva said: “Under the PLP, payroll taxes for workers were slashed to the lowest levels in Bermuda’s history, ensuring that hardworking families have more money in their pockets.

“All local and small businesses received a reduction in taxes.”

The PLP candidate accused Marc Bean, the leader of the FDM, of publicly stating his willingness to align with the One Bermuda Alliance.

He added: “Not for the good of the people, but to gain political power.

“The OBA’s record is clear — policies that prioritise the wealthy at the expense of ordinary Bermudians, pathways to status to marginalise Bermudians, denying pension increases to seniors and slashing funding for our youth.

“Embracing the OBA means embracing who they are and what they stand for and working with them to make all their schemes a reality.”

After the Sandys North by-election last October, parties that failed to clinch the constituency suggested they would consider working together.

It came after the PLP secured a little more than a third of the votes cast.

Mr Bean suggested more collaboration between the parties.

However, in October, Jarion Richardson, the leader of the OBA, said the party had conducted “a post-mortem” on the by-election and concluded that it was now “in no rush” to speak to other parties.

Mr DeSilva accused the FDM of disappearing between elections.

He said: “Leadership that disappears, goes silent and only pops up and becomes vocal during elections just isn't good enough.”