French election: Left celebrates as far-Right faces surprise defeat | BBC News

France's left-wing political coalition, the New Popular Front, is celebrating after exit polls in the second round of parliamentary elections predicted it was on course for victory.

France's far-right National Rally had been widely expected to win the election after leading in the first round of voting.

The snap election was called by a weakened President Macron, in response to a surge in support for the far-right party led by Marine Le Pen. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who was appointed by President Macron only seven months ago, has said he is planning to resign.

France is now heading for a hung parliament with no party expected to achieve an overall majority. The biggest group in the left-wing alliance is led by the radical socialist Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who may now become Prime Minister.

Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Katya Adler and Andrew Harding.