Austrian leader Sebastian Kurz investigated by corruption inquiry

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has said he is being investigated by anti-corruption prosecutors over allegations that he made false statements to a parliamentary commission.

MPs have been investigating claims of nepotism, including the appointment of party loyalist Thomas Schmid as head of Austria's state holding company.

WhatsApp messages on Mr Schmid's phone suggest Mr Kurz may have more to answer than previously known.

Mr Kurz denies wrongdoing.

He said on Wednesday he had "always tried" to tell the commission the truth and he would not resign as chancellor, and he would be happy to be questioned by a judge. He said his head of staff, Bernhard Bonelli, was also under investigation.

Opposition parties accuse Mr Kurz, the head of the conservative ÖVP People's Party, of giving false answers to MPs.