The French newspaper said she had already informed Marine Le Pen, who was decisively defeated by centrist Emmanuel Macron in Sunday's election, along with other colleagues.

"I respect her choice. I know how demanding political life can be," the current Front National leader said after learning of her niece's decision.

Rumours had been swirling in the wake of Ms Le Pen's crushing defeat that her niece may try and lead the party into victory in France's next election.

Ms Maréchal-Le Pen, however, has insisted she never intended to stay in politics throughout her career, according to Le Parisien.