Politicians and the council
As the highest elected body in the county, the county council is the decision-maker. Its members are elected every four years in the county council elections. These are held at the same time as the local council elections. The Østfold county council has 35 members. It will next be up for election in the autumn of 2019.
The political leadership
County council mayor/ chair:
Ole Haabeth (Labour Party)
Born: 1950
Residence: Fredrikstad
The council chair is the leading member of the county council, and is responsible for coordinating and leading its work. He heads the county council and also chairs the Østfold Council by virtue of his office.
More photographs of Ole Haabeth
Deputy county council mayor/chair:
Siv Henriette Jacobsen (Labour Party)
Born: 1966
Residence: Moss
The deputy council chair is the council chair’s deputy, and leads and represents the council in the absence of the chair.
More photographs of Siv Henriette Jacobsen
Chair of the industry and culture committee
Andreas M Lervik (Labour Party)
Born: 1969
Residence: Sarpsborg
Lervik has political responsibility for matters related to industry, agriculture, research and development, outdoor recreation, management of the arts, water management, energy, culture and museum administration.
More photographs of Andreas M Lervik
Chair of the education committee:
Elin Johanne Tvete (Centre Party)
Born: 1976
Residence: Fredrikstad
Tvete has political responsibility for matters related to education and health (including dental health, public health and social issues)
More photographs of Elin Johanne Tvete
Chair of the transport and communications committee:
Olav Ingebjørn Moe (Christian Democratic Party)
Born: 1968
Residence: Råde
Moe has political responsibility for matters related to transport, county roads, integrated area and transport planning, public transport, the environment and the climate.
More photographs of Olav Ingebjørn Moe
Party group leaders on the county council