French far-right party elects new president to replace Marine Le Pen

The National Rally is seeking to capitalise on a breakthrough showing in legislative elections this year and growing support for far-right parties elsewhere in Europe, notably in neighbouring Italy.

French far right leader Marine Le Pen celebrates with newly elected leader of the National Rally president Jordan Bardella during the party congress in Paris (Lewis Joly/AP/PA)

Jordan Bardella has been elected to replace Marine Le Pen as president of France’s leading far-right party, a symbolic changing of the guard that comes at a crucial time for the resurgent National Rally.

Mr Bardella, a 27-year-old member of the European Parliament, won an internal party vote with 85% support, according to results announced at a party congress in Paris. He becomes the first person to lead the anti-immigration party who doesn’t have the Le Pen name since it was founded 50 years ago.