Støre's State Secretary Resigns

Kristoffer Thoner, a trusted advisor and state secretary to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, is stepping down from his post. Thoner, who has been a significant figure in Støre's office since December 2022, announced his departure, stating the intense demands of the job required him to be "all in" at all hours. With his children beginning school this year, he expressed a desire for a more predictable daily routine.

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In this job, you have to go 'all in', and that means I have been connected at all hours of the day, so with school starting this year, I look forward to a more predictable everyday life.

Prime Minister Støre confirmed the resignation and expressed understanding for Thoner's decision. He lauded Thoner as a "very great resource" and an "important advisor," highlighting his extensive experience across media, business, and public life. Thoner's final day is this Friday, with his resignation to be formalized in a state council meeting.

Stepping into Thoner's role is Per Anders Torvik Langerød, who previously served as press chief for Labour Party deputy leader Tonje Brenna. Additionally, State Secretary Bhanuja Rasiah will assume overall responsibility for press management. Støre welcomed both appointments, noting their considerable experience within the party and the political sphere.

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Kristoffer has been a very great resource and an important advisor to me as prime minister, for the government, and for the Labour Party, with his broad experience from the media, business, and public life.

Thoner's tenure was not without scrutiny. His appointment in late 2022, after leaving the consulting firm McKinsey, sparked debate over his undisclosed client list. While some client relationships were eventually made public, not all were revealed. Thoner's prior involvement with the Labour Party includes a project role during the 2019 municipal elections, where he worked closely with Støre before returning to McKinsey. He also has a background as a political reporter for TV 2.

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I am glad that Bano and Per Anders have agreed to work with press and communication for me and for the government. Both have long experience from the party and politics.