French justice minister 'to quit for European polls'

French justice minister Rachida Dati is to run in the European elections in June, officials said tonight.

New media reported that Ms Dati, who entered the government with a fanfare as a symbol of diversity and rushed back to work this month, days after giving birth, will leave the cabinet with the June 7 elections.

Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier, who is heading the electoral list for the Paris region, will also leave his post. He is to co-ordinate the campaign for the governing UMP party of President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Mr Barnier said on the TV station i-Tele that those who run in the elections for the Strasbourg-based European parliament “make the choice for Europe”

Ms Dati’s office made no comment.