The Manx Labour Party has accused the Chief Minister of political scapegoating to deflect from his administration’s challenges.
In a statement, the party said it was initially “genuinely encouraged” by his recent focus on putting money in people’s pockets.
However, it stated this optimism was “undermined” when he attributed government unpopularity to left-wing members and “the shrill voices of socialism ringing around these chambers”.
The party criticised what it called a “derogatory” singling out of its MHK, Sarah Maltby and listed several policy areas to clarify its position.
It said: “An economic plan written by KPMG is not socialism. A refusal to build social housing is not socialism.
“Backtracking on a minimum wage deal agreed by Tynwald is not socialism. Twenty-nine ministerial reshuffles and changes is not socialism.”
The party concluded that “effective government requires accountability, not scapegoating,” adding that leadership means “taking responsibility, and bringing people with you. Not searching for someone else to blame when public confidence falters”.