Norway’s Labour party holds narrow lead in early election results

Party of the prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, likely to remain in government but results show surge in support for rightwing Progress party

The Norwegian Labour party looked likely to remain in government as polls closed on Monday night, as preliminary results showed the centre-left had a narrow lead after a polarised election that saw a surge of support for the populist right.

With 75% of the vote counted, state broadcaster NRK projected the centre left would win with 89 seats and that the centre right would take 80 seats. A minimum of 85 seats are needed for a majority.