Norway's Conservative Party formally launches its hunt for a new leader this weekend. The party's selection committee holds its first meeting in Oslo to review thousands of member suggestions.
Committee chair Christian Ingebrigtsen confirmed the two-day gathering. "This is the first of several planned physical meetings for the selection committee this autumn," he said in a statement. "We have received thousands of good, well-written submissions from party members that will take time to review."
Former Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced her resignation following February's party conference. She has led the Conservative Party since 2004.
Ingebrigtsen emphasized this will be a lengthy process. The committee seeks a new party leader for the first time in 22 years.
The committee plans initial talks with some potential candidates this weekend. "We will speak with some, but not all potential candidates for the party's top position," Ingebrigtsen noted. "We cannot manage everyone in one weekend."
Beyond the leadership role, numerous positions in the working committee and central board need filling.
The initial goal involves understanding candidates' visions for the party's future direction. Ingebrigtsen stated they want to hear thoughts about political and organizational paths forward.
No decisions are expected this weekend. The committee hasn't requested any commitments from potential candidates.
Several prominent Conservatives are considered possible contenders. Ine Eriksen Søreide, Henrik Asheim, Ola Svenneby and Peter Frølich have been mentioned as potential candidates.
Current deputy leader Tina Bru has declared she won't seek reelection.
The Conservative Party received 14.6% support in autumn's parliamentary election. This represents a 5.7 percentage point decline from the previous election.
The leadership transition comes as Norway's Conservative Party seeks to rebuild after significant electoral losses. Finding a successor to Solberg's two-decade leadership presents both challenge and opportunity for party renewal.