Sarkozy: 'I will quit politics'

DEFEATED president Nicolas Sarkozy has told his closest colleagues he is quitting politics and will not lead his UMP party into the June National Assembly elections.

He said he would become "an ordinary Frenchman among others" and added that his "involvement in the life of my country will now be different".

Speaking 20 minutes after the polls closed he "took responsibility for defeat" as he spoke to supporters and said: "François Hollande is the president of France and he must be respected."

He called Hollande to congratulate him on his win and wished him "the best of luck in the challenges that lie ahead".

Sarkozy is due to leave office on May 15.