Pécresse chosen as French centre-right’s first female candidate for presidency

Former minister is surprise winner of Les Republicains' nomination, beating high-profile names such as Michel Barnier

France's rightwing opposition party has chosen a female candidate for next year's presidential election for the first time in its history.

Valerie Pecresse emerged victorious after two rounds of voting by members of Les Republicains that unexpectedly saw favourites including Monsieur Brexit" Michel Barnier knocked out in the first vote last week.