Lykke was a member of the parliament's presidium in 1940;[3] he stepped in (according to mandate) for president in exile, C. J. Hambro.[4]
On 27 June 1940 Lykke, and others of parliament's presidium, signed an appeal to King Haakon, about [the desire for] his abdication.[3] (The presidium back then consisted of the presidents and vicepresidents of parliament, Odelstinget and Lagtinget.[5])
1945
After World War Two, he and others were criticized (for actions in 1940) by a parliamentary fact-finding commission.
During King Haakon's visit that year to Trondheim, he diverged from his official program to visit Lykke.[4] Lykke said "Thou can believe that we had it difficult here in Norway in the summer of 1940".[4] The king replied, "That is exactly why I am coming to You, dear Ivar Lykke", and stretched forward his hand" [for greeting].[4]