Ursula von der Leyen named the world's most powerful woman by Forbes

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been named the world’s most powerful woman for the second year in a row.

The German politician, who has held the post since 2019, finished ahead of European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, US Vice President Kamala Harris, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who came fourth.

Von der Leyen, 65, is the first woman to serve in the role, Forbes said, “which is responsible for legislation affecting more than 450 million Europeans”.

In fifth place was Taylor Swift, who is reported to have earned $850m (£673m) from her record-breaking Eras world tour, according to the US Travel Association.

The singer, 33, became a billionaire in the process and filled the coffers of US states to the tune of $5bn (£4bn).

Swift, who rose from 79th last year, finished a long way ahead of the next singer on the list, Beyonce, in 36th place, while Rihanna was 76th.

Former talk show host turned media owner Oprah Winfrey came 31st.

Philanthropist Melinda Gates is 10th, while the highest-placed British entrant is GlaxoSmithKlein chief executive Emma Walmsley, who is 15th.

Ms Walmsley became the first woman to run a major pharmaceutical company when she was appointed in 2017.

The next highest is Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc, in 40th.

The make-up of the list reflects what Forbes calls the “complex picture of women’s influence in a volatile world.”

Earlier this year, the US publisher said, “political leaders Sanna Marin, Jacinda Ardern and Nicola Sturgeon either lost or relinquished their jobs overseeing Finland, New Zealand and Scotland.

“Susan Wojcicki stepped down as YouTube CEO after nine years at the helm.

“So did Martina Merz, the chief executive of German conglomerate Thyssenkrupp.

“Every one of them was replaced by a man,” Forbes said.