France's left gives presidential nod to Royal

Segolene Royal will run as the Socialist Party candidate in next year's presidential elections in France.

Ms Royal has fought a highly competitive primary campaign which has been notable for its lack of public debate and smear tactics.

However, concerns that the mum of four would face a lack of support in the final vote appear to have been superfluous, with Ms Royal taking 60.62 per cent of the ballot, according to party officials.

The clearly jubilant candidate told Reuters: "The fact that I have been chosen in this way is something extraordinary.

"I want to embody change and give it credibility and legitimacy. And I think today, I have received this legitimacy."

Ms Royal's challengers had included former finance minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Laurent Fabius.

Nocolas Sarkozy, wildly expected to be the ruling right's presidential candidate, is now under increased pressure to announce that he is running.

The election between the incumbent Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and the Socialist Party will occur on April 22nd 2007.