OSLO — Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg resigned on Tuesday, submitting a letter of resignation in person to King Harald V during a meeting of the Council of State in the Royal Palace.

"The King has accepted this, and asked me to lead a business ministry until a new government is appointed," said Solberg during a press conference after the meeting. Her resignation came after an eight-year tenure as Prime Minister.

After the meeting, Labour party leader Jonas Gahr Store was invited to an audience with the King, where he was given the task of forming a new government.

Solberg's resignation is a consequence of parliamentary elections held on Sept. 13, when her Conservative Party was defeated by a left-wing coalition led by Store.

King Harald accepted Solberg’s resignation as prime minister following the proposed Norwegian state budget for 2022 being unveiled and ahead of Labour leader Støre taking the reins. Støre is expected to form a government and become PM on Thursday.

“It is sad to leave the helm when the Norwegian economy is doing well,” Norway’s longest-serving right-wing leader added. Solberg said she was proud of the progress Norway had made under her leadership.

“I am proud that Norway has taken many important steps. I believe we have pursued a policy that equips Norway for the future,” Solberg said.

The Bergen native remarked that she was grateful to have been PM for so long. “I am grateful because there are few people who can sit for so long,” she said.

Støre and Centre Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum are expected to unveil their Cabinet at Hurdal, where government negotiations have taken place, on Wednesday.

Solberg told reporters that she was relishing the chance to be in opposition. “We will pursue a clear but constructive opposition policy. This country needs broad cooperation,” she said. — Agencies