Kirsti Leirtrø, a prominent member of the Norwegian Labour Party (Ap), has announced her withdrawal from the nomination process for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Sør-Trøndelag.

Leirtrø, who has served in the Storting since 2017, emphasized the need to focus on policies rather than personalities, advocating for younger candidates to take the lead.

Her decision comes just before the nomination committee was set to finalize its recommendations.

In a surprising move, Leirtrø also called on Trond Giske, another key figure in the party, to step aside to allow for new leadership.

Giske, however, has refused to withdraw, stating his commitment to his local party's decision to keep him on the list.

The nomination meeting, which will determine the final candidates, is scheduled for November 30, with 133 delegates set to vote.