Norway's Conservative Party has formally launched the search for a new leader to replace Erna Solberg. The party's selection committee held its first meeting this weekend in Oslo to begin the process.
The committee received over one thousand suggestions from party members about potential candidates. They plan multiple meetings throughout the fall to review all submissions.
Committee chair Christian Ingebrigtsen said in a statement that this marks the first physical gathering of several planned sessions. "We have received thousands of good, well-written suggestions from party members that will take time to review," he stated.
Solberg announced her resignation following September's parliamentary election results. She will step down at the party's national convention in February after leading the Conservatives since 2004.
This leadership transition represents a major shift for Norwegian politics. The committee faces the substantial task of selecting a new party leader for the first time in 22 years.
The selection process will be lengthy and thorough according to Ingebrigtsen. Committee members began preliminary discussions with some potential candidates this weekend.
"We will speak with some, but not all potential candidates for the party's top position this weekend," Ingebrigtsen explained. "We cannot manage everyone in one weekend."
The committee seeks to understand candidates' visions for the party's future direction. They want to hear thoughts about both political strategy and organizational development.
No immediate decisions are expected from these initial conversations. The committee has not requested any commitments from potential candidates regarding specific positions.
Several prominent Conservatives are considered possible contenders. Former minister Ine Eriksen Søreide, Henrik Asheim, Ola Svenneby and Peter Frølich have been mentioned as potential candidates.
Current deputy leader Tina Bru has announced she will not seek reelection.
The Conservative Party received 14.6% support in September's parliamentary election. This represented a decline of 5.7 percentage points from the previous election.
The leadership change comes at a challenging time for Norway's conservatives. Selecting a new leader who can rebuild support will be crucial for the party's future relevance.