Leo Varadkar is set to become the Republic of Ireland’s next taoiseach (prime minister) after winning the leadership of the Fine Gael party.

The 38-year-old will become the first gay taoiseach and will also be the country’s youngest ever leader.

Mr Varadkar beat his rival, Housing Minister Simon Coveney, with 60% of the votes to lead Fine Gael – the biggest party in the coalition government.

He will succeed Enda Kenny as leader of the centre-right party within weeks.