Norway's Conservative Party has begun its search for a new leader after Erna Solberg announced her resignation following the recent election. This marks the first leadership change in over two decades.
The party's selection committee met this weekend at an undisclosed location in the Oslo area. Committee chair Christian Ingebrigtsen confirmed they held initial talks with potential leadership candidates.
"We're speaking with some candidates this weekend, but not all," Ingebrigtsen said in a statement. "We can't manage everyone in one weekend. We're not just filling three top positions."
The committee held its first in-person meetings on Saturday and Sunday. Ingebrigtsen described the location as so secret that even some committee members hadn't been told the exact venue beforehand.
"We want to work in calm surroundings and have proper conversations with candidates and within our committee," he explained when asked about the secrecy.
The leadership selection process will culminate at the party's national convention in February. Ingebrigtsen emphasized they aim to present their recommendation well before that date.
Former foreign minister Ine Eriksen Søreide emerges as the clear frontrunner, though sources indicate she hasn't revealed her intentions publicly. Deputy leader Henrik Asheim has made himself available but hasn't actively campaigned for the position.
Other potential candidates mentioned include Peter Frølich and Nikolai Astrup, along with Young Conservatives leader Ola Svenneby and Sandra Bruflot, who leads the party's women's forum.
The committee has received thousands of suggestions from party members. "I'm particularly pleased that we're getting thoughtful input about the party's direction, not just names," Ingebrigtsen noted.
Local party organizations have until next week to submit their recommendations through a separate consultation round.
This leadership transition presents both challenge and opportunity for Norway's main conservative party as it adjusts to being in opposition after eight years in government. The secretive approach suggests internal divisions the party hopes to manage away from public scrutiny.