Socialists lead way against Sarkozy

France's opposition Socialists secured strong gains in second round local elections yesterday, opinion polls said, dealing a blow to President Nicolas Sarkozy and his 10-month-old government.

The polls suggested leftist candidates had won control of a number of towns and cities currently run by the centre-right, including Caen, Amiens and Reims in the north of France, and Perigueux in the south.

There was no immediate sign if Mr Sarkozy's allies had managed to hold onto the two main prizes within the left's grasp - the southern cities of Marseilles and Toulouse. If the right loses these votes it will represent a severe setback for Mr Sarkozy.

The election has come at a bad moment for Mr Sarkozy, whose own ratings have plunged because of voter anger over the high cost of living and his glitzy personal life. He has promised to act on the local vote but is not expected to ditch his reform plans.