Ursula von der Leyen on mission to win over MEPs in Strasbourg

Surprise choice to lead European commission criticised by Socialists and Greens

Ursula von der Leyen, the nominee to lead the European commission, will seek to build bridges with members of the European parliament in Strasbourg after a mixed reaction to her historic appointment.

Germany's defence minister was a surprise choice to lead the commission, as EU leaders struggled to reach a compromise during three days of summit talks dedicated to finding people to lead the EU's most important institutions.