Macron names centrist Bayrou as French PM in bid to end political instability

President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist leader François Bayrou as France's next prime minister, in a bid to end months of political turmoil.

Bayrou, a 73-year-old mayor from the south-west who leads the MoDem party, said everyone realised the difficulty of the task ahead: "I think reconciliation is necessary."

He is seen by Macron's entourage as a potential consensus candidate and his task will be to avoid the fate of his predecessor. Ex-Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier lasted just three months and was ousted by MPs nine days ago. read more