Merkel’s party slumps to defeat in regional polls

Angela Merkel’s ruling Christian Democrats (CDU) have suffered poor results in two key regional votes

The votes are seen as an indication of what might happen in September’s general election.

Preliminary results showed the CDU won about a quarter of the vote in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.

The two western states were once conservative strongholds.

Mrs Merkel is due to step down as German chancellor in September, after 16 years in office.