Copé wins UMP leadership

FEARS OF PARTY SPLIT AS RIGHT-WING UNDERDOG SCRAPES NARROW VICTORY OVER MODERATE FRANÇOIS FILLON JEAN-François Copé has been officially elected head of the opposition party, the UMP. Copé,

who campaigned on an 'uncomplicated right' ticket, has claimed to be natural successor of Nicolas Sarkozy and has already said he will step aside if Sarkozy were to run for

president again. Copé, the chairman of the UMP since 2010, beat former prime-minister François Fillon by 98 votes, 50.03% to 49.7%. Yesterday the two opposing camps traded accusations of

voting fraud, both declaring victory twice during the day, however Fillon has subsequently recognised the result. His concession speech however has left the future of the party in doubt.

“Putting aside a number of voting irregularities that I could fight, what strikes me is the split in our party is obvious. It is both political and moral. To reduce and overcome it, that is

my objective,” he said. Fillon had a clear lead in the polls in the summer when he announced he would stand. He was also supported by high-profile ex-ministers from the Sarkozy government.

However, Copé's message and diligent campaigning closed the gap until he produced his narrow victory. After he was officially announced as leaders he said he was open to reconciliation

with Fillon. During the campaign Copé, 48, was labelled both 'toxic and dangerous' for his pronouncements on anti-white racism. He is also opposed to the government's policy

to allow gay marriage and to their plans to raise taxes.