New mentorship programme pairs experienced former mayors with 40 first-time Danish mayors

A new mentorship initiative by Local Government Denmark (KL) will connect 40 newly elected mayors with experienced former mayors to help them navigate the challenges of leading a municipality, DR reports.

The programme offers each new mayor 15 hours of one-on-one guidance from a mentor who recently left office. Twenty-one former mayors have volunteered, including H.C. Østerby, who served as mayor of Holstebro from 2009 to 2025 and will now advise Jens Dahlgaard, the new Social Democrat mayor of Mors.

“There are always new challenges arising—whether in a week or a month,” Østerby said. “I hope he’ll know he has someone to call if he needs support.”

KL director Kristian Vendelbo emphasised the unique demands of the role: “In most cases, these mayors have never led an entire organisation before. There’s nothing quite like being a mayor.” The confidential mentorship aims to help them manage pressure and foster collaboration within their councils.

Birgit S. Hansen, who served as mayor of Frederikshavn for a decade after transitioning from nursing, reflected on her own early struggles: “It’s a top job, and it can be lonely at the top. I often had to figure things out alone—I could have used a mentor.” She has now signed on to advise three new mayors.

Arne Ullum, editor-in-chief of NB Kommune, noted rising expectations: “Being a mayor is one of the toughest leadership roles—you’re constantly among your constituents, and the pressure is immense.” He added that better-prepared mayors could improve public services by maximising municipal resources.

Dahlgaard said his goal is clear: “I want to learn from my mentor’s experience so I can serve the people of Mors well. That’s the whole point—to be a skilled mayor for our citizens.”