Ben Smith has said he hopes to help rebuild trust in politics if elected as the new leader of the One Bermuda Alliance.

Mr Smith, who is running against Robert King to become the next Opposition leader in the wake of the announcement that Jarion Richardson will step away from the post next month, said in a Facebook post that trust in Bermuda’s political system has eroded.

“People feel that politics is a game for insiders, not a service to the public,” Mr Smith said. “If we are to move Bermuda forward, that perception must change, and we as politicians must do better.”

Mr Smith said that to earn trust, politics needed to demonstrate transparency, accountability and results, stating that he would introduce a public accountability pledge for the party’s MPs if elected.

“Transparency means being open about how decisions are made, where the money is spent, and what the outcomes are,” he said. “It means putting information in the hands of the people without them having to beg for it.

“Accountability means owning up when things go wrong and fixing them. It means setting clear goals and being honest about whether we are meeting them.

“Results mean delivering on promises. Talk is cheap. Action is what people remember.”

Mr Smith said that with him as OBA leader, the party would commit to regular public reporting, open forums with constituents and clear policy timelines.

He added: “The House of Assembly should be televised so that all MPs are held accountable for being the leaders that Bermuda deserves.

“We are being paid to conduct the people’s business. They should be able to see us fulfilling our duties.

“Politics should never be about ‘us versus them’. It should be about all of us, on both sides of the floor, working to make Bermuda better.

“I believe we can rebuild trust, but it will take leadership willing to set a new standard. I am ready for the job.”

It was announced last month that a new OBA leader would be elected on September 6, when the party holds its annual meeting, with Mr Smith and Mr King putting their names forward as candidates.

Mr Smith is the deputy leader of the party and the Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, while Mr King is the Shadow Minister of National Security, the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation.

Michael Fahy and Scott Pearman have put themselves forward for the role of deputy leader, while Victoria Cunningham, Geoffrey Faiella and Jeremy Shrubb will vie for deputy chair.

William Soares is to become the party chair by acclamation, effective at the party meeting next month.