Is Ségolène Royal ready to rumble?

SEGOLENE Royal will announce tomorrow whether she will stand for the position of premier secrétaire of the Socialist Party.

In September she put her bid “on ice” after trailing in the polls but a recent vote by party members placed her proposals for the future direction of the Socialists ahead of those of her rivals.

Yesterday she met with Socialist senators to discuss a possible leadership bid.

Party insiders believe it would be difficult for a potential presidential candidate to hold the position of em> premier secrétaire .

Royal has also contacted those who have already officially put their names forward for the job: Benoît Hamon, Martine Aubry and Bertrand Delanoë.

The latter is tipped as favourite to win if Royal does not stand.

A spokesman for Royal said she will announce her decision tomorrow.

All leadership bids must be officially made before the Socialist Party conference begins at Reims on Friday.

The leadership election will take place on November 20.

Photo:Marie-Lan Nguyen