Socialist leader takes control as Spanish government falls

Pedro Sanchez is prime minister-in-waiting after ruling Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy lost a no-confidence vote.

Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez is Spanish prime minister-in-waiting (AP)

By Aritz Parra

Socialist party leader Pedro Sanchez is set to become the new prime minister of Spain after a no-confidence vote in parliament unseated Mariano Rajoy’s conservative government.

Mr Sanchez, the leader of the largest opposition party, could be sworn in as early as Saturday, with Cabinet appointments taking place next week.