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French Socialists declare winner French Socialists declare winner
(40 minutes later)
The French Socialist Party has declared Martine Aubry its new leader, despite accusations of irregularities by defeated candidate Segolene Royal. The French Socialist Party has declared Martine Aubry its new leader - with a greater margin than initially thought.
Ms Aubry won the contest by a mere 42 votes - 0.04% - a margin which Ms Royal said was too thin to be credible. A declaration of the winner was delayed when defeated rival Segolene Royal made accusations of voting irregularities, prompting a party investigation.
The process has left the party deeply divided, with the French press speculating on a possible formal split. But the party's national council has ratified last week's vote and said the margin increased from 42 votes to 102.
The process has left the party deeply divided, with the French media speculating on a possible formal split.
Ms Royal has warned she will not accept validation of the poll by the national council, which reportedly has a pro-Aubry majority.
Ms Aubry, the mayor of Lille, is the first woman to head the French Socialists and is best known as the architect of the 35-hour work week.
She takes over from Francois Hollande, Ms Royal's estranged partner and the father of her four children.
The UMP party of President Nicolas Sarkozy has revelled over what it calls "the implosion of the Socialist party".The UMP party of President Nicolas Sarkozy has revelled over what it calls "the implosion of the Socialist party".