Germany's Olaf Scholz takes over from Merkel as chancellor

Olaf Scholz has been confirmed as Germany's new chancellor, leading a three-party government that takes over from Angela Merkel after 16 years in office.

He was voted in by the German parliament, where his coalition has a substantial majority.

His centre left Social Democrats will govern alongside the Greens and the business-friendly Free Democrats.

The handover of power marks an end to Mrs Merkel's 31-year political career.

Mr Scholz, a soft-spoken 63-year-old, steered the Social Democrats to election victory in late September, positioning himself as continuity candidate because he played a key role in the Merkel government as vice-chancellor.

He was given a standing ovation after the German parliament, the Bundestag, backed him by 395 votes to 303. He will now go to see President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before returning at midday (11:00 GMT) to be sworn in.