Benoit Hamon will be the French Socialist Party's candidate in the presidential elections in April, after winning a run-off vote, according to BBC.

The ex-education minister comfortably beat Manuel Valls, a former prime minister, who conceded before the final tally was completed.

The Socialists are not expected to do well in the election.

Outgoing President Francois Hollande, a fellow Socialist, has a very low approval rating.

Conservative Francois Fillon, right-wing Marine Le Pen, and centrist Emmanuel Macron lead the polls.

With 60% votes counted in the Socialist run-off, Mr Hamon had just over 58% to Mr Valls' 41%.

After his win was announced, Mr Hamon said: "Despite the differences, the forces of the left have never been so close in terms of ideas. Let's come together."