On the advice of Hornsrud, the King contacted the leader of the Labour Party parliamentary group, Alfred Madsen. When Madsen subsequently asked the group whether the party should accept to form a cabinet, Hornsrud was among those who advocated strongest for a positive response. Others were more reluctant or negative. The central committee of the party decided that the party should take government responsibilities, but their first choice for Prime Minister Johan Nygaardsvold declined the offer to become Prime Minister. Hornsrud was then given the task. Hornsrud's Cabinet was appointed by the King on 28January, making Hornsrud the first prime minister ever from the Labour Party. He took the position as Minister of Finance in addition to prime minister.