Ireland governing party Fine Gael has elected Leo Varadkar as its new leader, meaning the once-staunchly Catholic country will get its first openly gay prime minister.

The 38-year-old son of an Indian immigrant will also be the youngest-ever person to hold the office, succeeding Enda Kenny, 66, in a striking generational and social change.

Mr Varadkar overcame ministerial colleague Simon Coveney expected, winning an overwhelming majority of support among the centre-right party’s politicians.