Sissel Knutsen Hegdal has resigned as the mayor of Stavanger following revelations of misusing party funds for personal expenses during the 2023 election campaign.

The misuse involved transactions totaling over 51,000 kroner, which have since been repaid.

The funds were used for personal purchases, including flights and festival tickets.

Høyre, the political party involved, has decided to forward the case to the police for further investigation.

While party leader Erna Solberg supported Hegdal's decision to step down, the local Stavanger Høyre group expressed disappointment, believing she could have continued in her role.

The case has sparked internal discussions within the party about the appropriate response to such financial misconduct.