NEWS

Solberg, 52, even wrote a book in 2011 entitled “People, not Billions” that widened her appeal as leader of a right-wing  party often criticised as more focused on tax cuts for the rich and businesses than on the welfare of ordinary Norwegians.

Her Conservative Party and three smaller centrist and right-wing allies won a majority in Norway’s parliament on Monday when voters turned their back on eight years of centre-left rule under Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

Tears welled up in her eyes when she thanked her husband and two teenage children for their support in a victory speech before hundreds of supporters chanting “Erna! Erna!”