She was appointed Iceland's interim Prime Minister back in February, and now Johanna Sigurdardottir has won a snap election to become the world's first elected 'out' lesbian leader.

Victory: Johanna Sigurdardottir

Sigurdardottir, 66, is nicknamed 'Saint Johanna' for her relentless defence of social causes. She married her long-time partner Jonina Ledsdottir, 54, in 2002.

Sigurdardottir and her centre-left Government are dealing with Iceland's major financial crisis, which led the previous PM's resignation. She plans to lead her country into the European Union and adopt the Euro currency.