Björklund's leadership bid gains momentum

With several major districts advocating his candidacy, Jan Björklund seems ever more likely to become the Liberal Party's next leader.

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On Monday evening the party's local branches in Gothenburg, Gävleborg, Västerbotten and Västernorrland all expressed their support for the schools minister.

"We think he has done a great job as schools minister. He will be a unifying force for the party," said Ann Catrine Fogelgren, the Liberal Party's Gothenburg chairwoman.

Last week the Liberal Party's Stockholm branch also threw its weight behind the minister.

"Björklund is an extremely competent politician. He has a lot of experience and is a skillful speaker," said Stockholm branch chairwoman Maria Wallhager.

A number of other districts around the country have also said that they would like to see Björklund take over from Lars Leijonborg when he steps down as party leader in September.

The Liberal Party in Gotland has however gone against the grain, proposing instead the former head of Sveriges Radio, Peter Örn.

"We chose him because he has a good reputation in the party and represents a strong social liberal strand," said regional chairman Mats-Ola Rödén.

The party branches have until May 25th to present their preferred candidates to the nominating committee.