Members of the One Bermuda Alliance were urged not to engage in “politics of personality” ahead of the party’s leadership contest tomorrow.

It came after Douglas De Couto, the MP for Warwick North East (Constituency 25) and the Shadow Minister of Finance, endorsed Ben Smith and Scott Pearman for the positions of leader and deputy leader, respectively.

Mr Smith faces Robert King, the MP for Smith’s North (Constituency 10), to head the party.

Michael Fahy, the MP for Pembroke South West (Constituency 20) and the Shadow Minister for Municipalities and Housing, is also contesting the role of deputy leader.

In correspondence to members, seen by The Royal Gazette, Dr De Couto said he endorsed Mr Smith, the party’s deputy leader and Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, based on his experience.

He said: “I support Ben as leader based on his experience in the legislature — as an MP from the 2017 election, in the Senate as senate leader, where I worked closely with him, and most recently as deputy leader, where he has been integral to rebuilding our party, candidate pool and team.”

Dr De Couto said that Mr Smith’s experience would prove “vital” as the party competes with the Progressive Labour Party government in the legislature.

He added: “Ben’s strong relationships with the political caucus will make him an effective leader, as we continue to build on our recent successes to get more candidates elected.

“Finally, I believe Ben is the leader who is best suited to continue to broaden our support throughout all of Bermuda.”

However, his endorsement was met with a sharp response from Mr King and Mr Fahy.

In a joint statement seen by the Gazette, the two said that the leadership contest was not about personalities or endorsements, but rather the future of the OBA and the island.

They said: “What we are focused on is putting forward a clear plan: rebuilding trust, strengthening our team and preparing to govern.

“This kind of division is what we are working to fix. This kind of division only weakens us.”

The pair said that division in the OBA would hinder the party from forming a government, adding that the island needed it to be “united, focused and ready to lead”.

They said: “This race is about giving our members and our country a credible, compassionate and competent alternative.

“We hope our colleagues will focus their energies on defeating the PLP rather than engaging in the politics of personality.”

“Bermudians are asking for leadership that works with courage and conviction — and that is what we are offering.”

Mr King, the Shadow Minister of National Security, the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, added last night: “Leadership contests always bring out different views and that’s a healthy part of democracy.

“I respect my colleague’s position but for me this race has never been about personalities — it’s about the future of the OBA and, more importantly, the future of Bermuda.

“That is why I’ve put forward a first 100 days plan, so members know exactly what to expect if I am elected leader.

“It sets out how we will begin rebuilding trust through island-wide town halls and monthly open houses, strengthen communications so our ideas are heard and understood, mentor and support our MPs and candidates, and build the campaign machinery to win the confidence of Bermudians and form the next government.

“I have discussed this with deputy leader candidate Michael Fahy and we agree the party needs to pivot.

“The 100-day plan is the first step in moving the OBA — and Bermuda — forward.

“Together we bring immense political and professional experience and we are committed to doing the hard work to deliver the solutions Bermuda needs.”

He added: “Change is never easy but it is necessary if we are to move forward.”

It was announced in July that a new OBA leader would be elected this weekend, when the party holds its annual conference.

The party said Jarion Richardson was stepping down from the role and a new Leader of the Opposition would be named.

Mr King was elected to the House of Assembly during a by-election in May 2024 and retained the seat in the General Election this year.

Mr Smith, who has held the No 2 position since 2023, put himself forward for the leadership role last month when the leadership candidates were named by the OBA.

Dr De Couto and the OBA offered no comment on the issue yesterday.

The Gazette tried to contact Mr Smith, Mr Pearman and Mr Fahy, but was unable to reach them before the time of publication.