Sarkozy takes on leadership of Chirac's party

Nicolas Sarkozy, the outgoing French finance minister, has been confirmed as head of the UMP - President Jacques Chirac's governing party.

The centre-right party, which was grounded by Mr Chirac 28 years ago, was passed into the hands of Mr Sarkozy at a lavish ceremony which French newspapers have likened to an American Party Convention.

The former finance minister won the party leadership ballot with 85 percent of the vote.

Mr Sarkozy, who once had Mr Chirac as his mentor,...