German rightwinger chosen as CDU leader by members

Non-binding vote comes as the conservative party looks for new direction after end of Merkel era

Members of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) have elected stalwart rightwinger Friedrich Merz as their designated new leader, as the conservative party seeks a new direction in opposition following the departure of Angela Merkel.

Merz, who has twice come second to centrist candidates in previous leadership races, won a surprise majority in the ballot, beating Merkel's former chief of staff Helge Braun and foreign policy specialist Norbert Rottgen with 62% of the vote, thus eliminating the need for a run-off vote.