Conservative Party deputy leader Henrik Asheim has confirmed his interest in becoming the party's next leader. He revealed this during his interview with the party's selection committee in Oslo.
Asheim told the committee he wants to remain in party leadership and would accept the top position if offered. When pressed about his ambitions, he stated clearly, "I have said that I want to be considered as the new party leader."
The selection committee is interviewing multiple candidates this weekend for various leadership positions within the Conservative Party. They aim to fill several roles at the party's national convention in February when Erna Solberg steps down as leader.
Committee leader Christian Ingebrigtsen said no final decisions are expected this weekend. The process involves interviewing numerous candidates beyond just the top three leadership positions.
Later on Saturday, the committee plans to interview Peter Frølich and Ine Eriksen Søreide. Frølich has already expressed readiness for a leadership role and reportedly has support to become one of the party's three top leaders, likely as deputy leader.
The main suspense surrounds Søreide, who currently chairs Parliament's foreign affairs and defense committee. If she accepts the party leadership, it could open a prestigious position for Frølich to lead that parliamentary committee.
Young Conservative leader Ola Svenneby will not meet with the committee this weekend due to other commitments but remains a potential candidate for party leadership roles when he steps down from his youth position in spring.
The leadership transition marks a significant moment for Norway's Conservative Party as they prepare for their first leadership change in over a decade. Asheim's openness about his ambitions creates a clear alternative should the presumed frontrunner decline the top position.