Questions over new CDU leader as Angela Merkel's party slumps to defeats

Armin Laschet under pressure after Christian Democrats record worst ever results in two state elections

Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats face questions over their new leader and the impact of a corruption scandal involving face mask production following historic defeats in German regional elections on Sunday - just six months before a national vote.

Merkel's successor as chancellor is due to be chosen by the voters in September and the CDU's worst ever results in the states of Baden-Wurttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, which were once considered its strongholds, have increased pressure on the party to work out how it can regain the confidence of the public in time.