Emmanuel Macron does a French election victory lap with Francois Hollande as he DENIES wanting a ‘hard Brexit’… despite saying he did just weeks ago

PRESIDENTIAL poster-boy Emmanuel Macron has been pictured on a victory lap with outgoing Socialist leader Francois Hollande.

Their hand-in-hand stroll comes as Europhile Macron denied wanting a hard Brexit — despite saying weeks ago that he did.

The independent president-elect's chief economic adviser insisted this morning his boss has "no interest in a hard Brexit".

Jean Pisani-Ferry told Radio 4's Today programme Mr Macron would be "tough" in upcoming talks but that he did not want to punish Britain.

"I don't think anybody has an interest in a hard Brexit. I think we need to build a new relationship", he said.

"There are interests on both sides. There is a negotiation to be carried out."

But after Mr Macron pulled off the landslide, he stressed the need to keeping the EU status quo - even after Britain quits.

He added: "There is a mutual interest in keeping prosperity that exists, that has been built over the years from lots of economic and various relationships, also the security and defence relationship is extremely important in the kind of environment we are in and which is a very dangerous environment."

But in a March interview, the then candidate claimed he WAS in support of a hard Brexit.

Macron said: "I am a hard Brexiteer", and assured it would be "the British who would lose the most" from our EU departure.

He went on to describe our historic vote to leave as a "crime".

"You cannot enjoy rights in Europe if you are not a member... the British are making a serious mistake over the long term," he said.

"What is going to happen is not 'taking back control' — it’s servitude."

And Mr Macron said that the EU made a "mistake" in trying to negotiate with David Cameron over the terms of our membership.

"It created a precedent, which is that a single state can twist the European debate to its own interests. Cameron was toying with Europe and we agreed to go along with it, which was a big mistake."

He claimed that Britain MUST choose a current model for our relationship with the bloc - not a new relationship like Theresa May wants to create.

Mr Macron said: "Britain must understand that our interest in the medium to long term is to have clear rules.

"So if Britain wants to trade with Europe it has to choose a model, such as the Swiss, Norwegian or Canadian."

Theresa May called the new French leader last night to "warmly" congratulate the En Marche! leader on his huge win.

Last night he defeated far-right Marine Le Pen in the final run off of the French vote.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The leaders briefly discussed Brexit and the Prime Minister reiterated that the UK wants a strong partnership with a secure and prosperous EU once we leave."

But behind the official pleasantries, Government officials will be seriously concerned about him as Britain prepares for two years of talks with the EU.

In a nod to his pro-EU stance, the victorious Macron appeared last night in front of supporters in Paris to the sound of EU anthem Ode To Joy – rather than iconic French anthem La Marseillaise.

European Commission President Jean Claude Claude Juncker said today he was delighted at the win - as it would defend a "strong and progressive Europe".

And remoaner Tony Blair, who has launched a stuttered comeback since the Brexit vote, heaped praise on Macron.

He said: "I congratulate Emmanuel Macron on a superlative victory which is great news for France and Europe.

"His campaign and the substantial majority he achieved shows the centre ground is alive and kicking and the place where elections can still be fought and won by Progressive politics. Well done Emmanuel!"

The PM previously slammed Macron when he called for an exodus of bankers from the UK to Paris from the doorstep of No10 earlier this year.

And he threatened to renegotiate Britain’s border deal in Calais in the wake of the Brexit vote, vowing to move the Jungle migrant camp to Kent.

Macron said: “I want to put the Le Touquet border deal back on the table. It must be renegotiated.”

But he does want serious reform of the bloc.

During his campaign he warned the EU to change, reiterating demands made by former PM David Cameron in the run-up to the Brexit vote.

He said: “We have to face the situation and to listen to the fact that [voters] are extremely angry today, impatient and the dysfunction of the EU is no longer sustainable.

“So I do consider that my mandate … will be at the same time to reform in depth the European Union and our European project”.

Allowing the EU to carry on as it is would be a “betrayal”, Mr Macron added.