Denmark Democrats leader Inger Støjberg has expelled a party member for violating election rules. The member supported a socialist mayor instead of backing a conservative candidate. This marks the first expulsion since the party's founding and tests Støjberg's authority.
Ole Blickfeldt served as a council member in Lejre Municipality for Denmark Democrats. He helped elect Mikael Ralf Baade Larsen from the Socialist People's Party as mayor. This happened despite clear party instructions to support conservative candidates where possible.
Støjberg explained the decision in a statement. She said the party made its position clear before elections. Members agreed to support conservative mayors where blue majorities existed. Blickfeldt knowingly violated this agreement, she stated.
Why expel a member over local politics? Støjberg answered this question directly. She said local and national politics operate differently. But party discipline remains essential for credibility. The party had agreed with all candidates about supporting conservative mayors where possible.
Lejre Municipality could have formed a conservative majority. Venstre, Conservatives, Danish People's Party, Liberal Alliance and Denmark Democrats together held 13 seats. This would have created a majority in the municipal council.
Instead, the Socialist People's Party now holds the mayor position. They formed a broad coalition that excludes Venstre and Liberal Alliance. This represents a significant shift in local power dynamics.
Blickfeldt confirmed his expulsion but declined immediate comment. He needs time to process the decision, he said. He plans to issue a formal statement after meeting with his group tomorrow evening.
This incident reveals broader tensions in Danish local politics. Party discipline often conflicts with local representation. Council members must balance party loyalty with local interests. The expulsion shows Støjberg prioritizes party unity over local autonomy.
Danish political experts note this reflects Støjberg's leadership style. She maintains strict control over party members. The Denmark Democrats remain a relatively new political force. Maintaining clear ideological boundaries helps establish their identity.
Local elections in Denmark often produce unexpected coalitions. Municipal councils frequently cross traditional political divides. This case demonstrates the challenges national parties face controlling local representatives.
The expulsion could affect future candidate recruitment. Potential members may hesitate joining if discipline appears rigid. But it also signals the party's commitment to its principles. This strengthens Støjberg's position as a decisive leader.
What happens next in Lejre? The new mayor leads a broad coalition excluding two major conservative parties. This unusual arrangement may test municipal governance. Other council members will watch how the situation develops.
National implications matter too. The Denmark Democrats want to establish themselves as reliable conservative partners. Showing they enforce discipline helps build credibility. But alienating local representatives might cost them grassroots support.
Danish local government operates with considerable autonomy. National parties struggle to control municipal decisions. This case highlights that ongoing tension. The expulsion represents Støjberg's attempt to assert central authority.
Blickfeldt's political future remains uncertain. He loses party affiliation but keeps his council seat. He must now operate as an independent or join another group. His statement tomorrow may clarify his next steps.