 leave his replacement in the weakest possible position. ABC's Emwin in Washington. France's far-right National Rally Party suggested and surged to a lead in the first round of the legislative elections across France. President Emmanuel Macron, who will remain in office regardless of the results, called the snap election. UK votes this week in the snap election called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Labour far ahead of the Conservatives in polling there. You're listening to ABC News.