Australia is embarking on a final diplomatic push to secure the election of former finance minister Mathias Cormann to run the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in a one-on-one stoush with a European heavy-hitter.
Former European Union trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom remains the favourite to win the job but Mr Cormann, who entered the race as a dark horse, is through to the last round after two of the final four candidates dropped out.
Hans van Leeuwen covers British and European politics, economics and business from London. He has worked as a reporter, editor and policy adviser in Sydney, Canberra, Hanoi and London. Connect with Hans on Twitter. Email Hans at hans.vanleeuwen@afr.com
