French election 2017: Emmanuel Macron elected youngest ever president in landslide victory over Marine Le Pen

Emmanuel Macron has been elected as the new president of France.

The 39-year-old Centrist defeated former National Front leader Marine Le Pen with 65.5 per cent of votes to just 35.5 per cent.

Presidential election polls hailed Macron as the victor in Sunday's vote shortly after polling stations closed at 8pm.

Le Pen called Macron to congratulate him on his victory and concede defeat shortly after voting closed and the projected results were announced.

In a speech immediately after the results were announced, Le Pen added that she would call for a new political force as legislative elections loom in June.

She also hinted her party may rename itself from the National Front, which has been dogged by allegations of racism and anti-Semitism since it was founded by her father.

A turn-out of 63 per cent was recorded at 5pm (4pm BST) following a turbulent campaign battle that divided the country.

In a speech at his campaign headquarters he said a "new page of our history" had opened for France and vowed to "defend France and Europe".

Macron will address supporters in the courtyard at the Louvre, Paris, to celebrate his victory.

The area was evacuated earlier on Sunday following reports of a suspicious package.

Theresa May was quick to congratulate Macron on his victory.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister warmly congratulates President-elect Macron on his election success.

"France is one of our closest allies and we look forward to working with the new President on a wide range of shared priorities."

A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel tweeted: “Congratulations Emmanuel Macron. Your victory is a victory for a strong united Europe and for the Franco-German friendship”.

The European council president, Donald Tusk, has also tweeted his congratulations.

Outgoing president Francois Hollande congratulated Mr Macron and said his victory shows the overwhelming majority of voters rallied behind the European Union and openness to the world.