Former president Nicolas Sarkozy concedes defeat in French rightwing primary

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has conceded defeat in the first round of the rightwing presidential primary after finishing third behind two former prime ministers.

"I did not manage to convince the voters," Sarkozy said yesterday in a speech to supporters after he was beaten into a surprise third place behind Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe, who move into next Sunday's run-off.