The first political position given to Professor Skancke was that of Minister of Labour in Vidkun Quisling April 1940 "coup" government, the latter's attempt at seizing power in Norway following the German invasion of 9 April. Skancke, at time in Trondheim, only heard of his appointment when it was announced on the radio and reacted with opposition to Quisling's attempt to form a government, refusing to assume the ministry allotted to him.