Her new partner, the healthcare party Robert Thunfors, has been suspended by his own party pending an investigation into what has happened.
“I, and many with me, are surprised by the information that has come to light,” writes regional councilor Pia Lundin (SJVP) in a comment.
“We need time to deal with this process.”
Got a warning
The secret love affair between two top politicians in Region Västernorrland has now had direct and drastic consequences. Elina Backlund Arab (S) is leaving one of the region’s heaviest political assignments.
Since the Social Democrats in the regional leadership became aware of her secret relationship with one of the region’s most prominent opposition politicians, which Sundsvalls Tidning was first with telling – and then her resignation was demanded.
Got a warning
She received a warning from the party back in July, but chose to continue the relationship in secret. According to her party, it is not possible to have a relationship between a leading opposition politician and a heavy representative of the majority – what debates do the couple avoid, what information do they share between them?
SVT Västernorrland has met the couple – hear the reasons why they kept the relationship hidden.