Erna Solberg denies false grandmother rumour

Former Norwegian prime minister Erna Solberg has denied a rumour that she has become a grandmother, after fake images circulated online, Dagbladet reports.

In an interview with Her og Nå, Solberg said she had received numerous congratulations based on false information.

“There is currently a rumour that I have become a grandmother, and we can deny that here and now. I have neither become a paternal nor maternal grandmother,” Solberg said.

According to Solberg, the rumour began after a website published fake images showing her, her daughter and a child.

“It has resulted in me receiving many congratulations lately,” she said.

Solberg said she had become accustomed to rumours and intense public attention during more than two decades in national politics.

The interview was conducted during her first summer holiday without party leadership responsibilities in 22 years. The 65-year-old stepped down as leader of the Conservative Party earlier this year but remains a member of parliament and serves on its Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.

She said leaving the party leadership had given her more peaceful mornings.

“I have much calmer mornings, which suits me because I am a night person. I prefer staying up a little later and working into the afternoon. Now I do not have to attend a morning meeting every day, and I allow myself an extra 15 minutes in bed,” Solberg said.