Outgoing Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz and outgoing chancellor's would-be successor Armin Laschet and are neck-and-neck at 25.5% to 24.5% according to an exit poll

Armin Laschet, 60, has been trailing his Social Democrat challenger Olaf Scholz in the race for the chancellery, but polls are close

The fight against growing antisemitism in Germany is close to Armin Laschet's heart, and like the current chancellor he is a strong supporter of Israel

Armin Laschet beats out more conservative rival in leadership vote; vows continuity, says party will only win September election 'if we remain strong in the middle of society'

Office inaugurated by North Rhine-Westphalia's minister-president Armin Laschet, leading contender to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as head of country's ruling party