France's hard-left CGT union elects first woman leader - sources

France's hard-left CGT union has elected its first woman leader, two CGT sources told Reuters on Friday.

Sophie Binet was elected secretary-general as a surprise compromise candidate after a long night of deliberations, coming ahead of Marie Buisson, who was supported by outgoing leader Philippe Martinez, and Celine Verzeletti, who was supported by a more hardline faction of the union.

The CGT press service said it could not confirm Binet's election as long as its members had not been informed.