Authors Suvatne and Gilbrant face backlash from Labour Party members over new book

Steinar Suvatne and Jørgen Gilbrant are the authors of the book “PARTY: An Insider Account of the Fall of the Labour Party.” Several politicians from the Labour Party (Ap) have reacted strongly against this publication, including Bjørnar Skjæran, a longstanding representative from Nordland. Skjæran, who served as Deputy Leader from 2019 to 2023, resigned as Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Affairs in October 2023.

He has dismissed claims presented in the book that he wore a silver chain and frequented tanning salons, stating, “I have never done that! Steel works for me—Norwegian steel with a small compass! I do not use tanning beds,” he wrote in a Facebook post. While he recognizes the humor in some of the book’s portrayals, he has chosen not to engage in interviews but points to his Facebook commentary for his views.

In their book, Suvatne and Gilbrant describe Skjæran as a popular figure within the labor movement, characterizing him as someone who smoked and enjoyed a jovial personality while holding a part-time farming role. They assert he considered a potential candidacy for Prime Minister after Støre, a claim Skjæran swiftly denied, labeling it “pure fabrication.”

Additionally, journalist Lars Joakim Skarvøy has identified multiple errors in the book, prompting the publisher, Gyldendal, to announce that they will correct these inaccuracies in future editions. Publisher Reidar Mide Solberg confirmed the intention to address the mistakes.

The book delves into the internal dynamics of the Labour Party in recent years.