French presidential front-runner Francois Fillon faces a preliminary criminal investigation into the employment of his wife as a parliamentary aide, the prosecutors’ office said Wednesday.

The French centre-right presidential candidate faces a formal investigation but will not quit.

Mr Fillon faces prison over a burgeoning fake jobs scandal involving his British-born wife Penelope. The couple have been summoned before a judge where they face being indicted.

The embattled presidential candidate hopes for a big turnout to prove he has electoral support.

François Fillon's bid for France's presidency appears increasingly imperiled after it was announced that a "respectful exit plan" for the embattled candidate will be discussed at a party meeting on Monday.

François Fillon's scandal-hit campaign to become France's next president took another blow Tuesday after he was placed under formal investigation.marie