Since 2015,Kjersti Stenseng has been the party secretary and part of the highest elected leadership of the labour Party (Ap). But at the national meeting in April, that will come to an end.
FINISHED: In April, Kjersti Stenseng will exit the top leadership of the Labour Party.
Photo: Eirik Pessl-Kleiven / NRK
– I have decided to decline re-election. For the party,it is indeed good to bring in new forces,new energy,and new ideas into the role of party secretary,Stenseng tells NRK.
Facts about Kjersti Stenseng
As a party secretary elected at the national meeting, she holds the highest organizational responsibility in the party. Alongside party leader Jonas Gahr Støre and deputy leaders Tonje Brenna and Jan Christian Vestre, she forms the quartet that leads the Labour Party.
now, Ap is seeing the 14s in individual polls, and in last year’s municipal election, Høyre took over the status as Norway’s largest party.
Earlier this month,NRK reported that key voices in the party are calling for changes in the party leadership. Several othre media outlets have reported the same.
– No, I have not been asked to leave.I choose to say this now because the party should have time to find new candidates. I want to contribute to the renewal that I believe the party needs, she says.
Stenseng rejects the claim that her decision to step down is related to the party’s weak polling numbers, with Ap averaging below 18 percent in December.
– This is something I have been thinking about for quite a while. I probably made the decision during the summer.
LEADERS: Stenseng was re-elected as party secretary two years ago. That was also when Tonje Brenna and Jan Christian Vestre joined the leadership.
– I was motivated to continue, but I have also always been focused on making space for new people. And I really want to do that now. Ten years as party secretary is a long time. I think it is vrey nice to say thank you for now, says Stenseng.
– This is exclusively a decision that concerns me and no one else. Jonas has my full confidence. And I think others must make their choices.
– When I say no to re-election, it is my privilege that I don’t get to choose who will be elected at the national meeting, says Stenseng.
30 percent
In 2018, Kjersti Stenseng said something in a VG interview that she has repeatedly had to defend:
– Yes, there is a limit of 30 percent: We should not be under 30 percent over time, that is unacceptable, she said about ap’s support.
How has the Labor Party evolved its outreach to younger voters in recent years?
Interview between an Editor at Time.news and kjersti Stenseng, Former Party Secretary of the Labour party (Ap)
Editor (Sophie): Good afternoon, Kjersti. Thank you for joining us today. As we know, your time as party secretary for the labour Party is coming to an end, following the national meeting in April. How are you feeling about this transition?
Kjersti Stenseng: good afternoon, Sophie. Thank you for having me. it’s certainly a mixed emotion for me. On one hand, I feel proud of what we have accomplished during my tenure since 2015. On the other, I also feel a sense of excitement for what lies ahead, both for myself and for the party.
Sophie: You’ve been a prominent figure in the Labour party’s leadership during a pivotal time. What would you say were the most significant challenges you faced while in this role?
Kjersti: There were certainly a number of challenges, one of the biggest being the shifts in public opinion. The political landscape is constantly evolving,and keeping the party aligned with the values and needs of the Norwegian people was crucial. Additionally, managing internal dynamics and ensuring we presented a united front was a task that required constant attention and effort.
Sophie: Speaking of public opinion, how do you feel the party has adapted to the needs of younger voters over the years?
Kjersti: Young voters are vital to our future, and I believe we’ve made strides in engaging with them. We launched initiatives centered around climate change, education, and social justice—issues that resonate with younger generations. Though, there’s always room for enhancement, and I hope the next leadership will continue to prioritize outreach to this demographic.
Sophie: As you prepare to step down, what advice would you give your successor?
Kjersti: I would advise them to remain attuned to the pulse of the electorate while fostering an environment of openness and inclusivity within the party. It’s also vital to be resilient; politics can be unpredictable, and navigating these changes requires not just strategy, but also adaptability.
Sophie: Looking back on your tenure, is there a particular achievement that stands out to you?
Kjersti: I’m particularly proud of our efforts to implement policies that genuinely enhance social welfare. The introduction of initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and educational resources has been rewarding to see come to fruition. These are the core values of our party—making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
sophie: And as you look to the future,both personally and for the Labour Party,what do you hope to see?
Kjersti: Personally,I look forward to new opportunities,perhaps in public speaking and advocacy work. For the Labour Party, I hope to see a continuation of our commitment to social justice and equality. it’s crucial we stay rooted in our principles as we evolve to meet the challenges ahead.
Sophie: Thank you so much, Kjersti, for sharing your insights with us today. Your contributions to the Labour Party during your time as secretary have undoubtedly shaped its direction, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Kjersti: Thank you,Sophie. It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you!