In a recent interview, Jon Stephensen revealed that he was approached by high-ranking members of the Moderaterne party in August 2023 with an offer of 1.3 million kroner to resign from his parliamentary mandate. This offer came during a period when he was on a self-funded leave from the Folketing following various scandals affecting his reputation. Despite the financial offer being significant, Stephensen firmly rejected it, expressing that he found the deal to be tremendously unfavorable, emphasizing that it was his mandate at stake and he was not inclined to relinquish it.

Stephensen's refusal to accept the offer has further complicated his relationship with the Moderaterne party, from which he was eventually expelled. Since then, he has served in the Folketing as an independent member rather than returning to the party fold. His stance against accepting what he views as a buyout for his position underscores ongoing tensions within the party and raises questions about the integrity and operations of political dealings in Denmark.

With DR's efforts to gather comments from Moderaterne and individuals connected to the situation, including Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt, the situation continues to unfold. Observers are keenly watching the responses from both the party and other government officials, as this controversy could have implications for public trust in political institutions and the conduct of politicians in Denmark.