Today’s news / Mette Abildgaard declines leadership of Conservatives
The Conservative Party's political spokesperson, Mette Abildgaard, tells DR that she is not at a point in her life where it is relevant for her to take over the position as party leader after the sudden death of Søren Papes Poulsen on Saturday. (Archive photo). Photo: Philip Davali/Ritzau Scanpix

Mette Abildgaard declines leadership of Conservatives

After the sudden death of the Conservative leader Søren Pape Poulsen on Saturday, the political landscape is shaken and the Conservative Party is without a leader. The successor to Pape’s nearly ten-year tenure is uncertain. Mette Abildgaard, the party’s political spokesperson, has ruled herself out stating that with two young children and where she is in her life, it’s not relevant for her. Pape died at age 52 from a brain hemorrhage during a board meeting. Speculation suggests Mona Juul may take over the post, though she has not yet commented. Following Pape’s death, Michael Ziegler serves as acting chair but not as political leader. The party, in ‘Pape’s spirit,’ will take the necessary time to decide the way forward.