Christine Lagarde in pole position as IMF starts its search for next chief

Christine Lagarde has picked up nominations from across Europe for a second term as leader of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a selection process that member nations intend to complete by early March.

Germany, France, the UK and Spain all came out for Ms Lagarde, whose current term ends on July 5. Ms Lagarde said in Davos China was also backing her for a second term.

Individuals can be nominated by a fund governor or executive director through to February 10, the Washington DC-based institution said.