Republican Kevin McCarthy has been elected as the new US Speaker after winning the 15th vote as tensions boiled over in Congress
Despite many of the rebel Republicans being supporters of Mr Trump, the former president had repeatedly backed Mr McCarthy for Speaker.A handful of far-right Republicans, from the conservative Freedom caucus, had felt Mr McCarthy was not conservative enough for the job, despite him agreeing to many of the detractors' demands.
That will sharply cut the power he will hold when trying to pass legislation on critical issues including funding the government, addressing the nation's looming debt ceiling and other crises that may arise. Sessions to decide on the person for the job had rumbled on for hours in the chamber this week – one even topping eight hours.The Speaker of the House is one of the most powerful positions in US politics.Using their position, an effective Speaker can make or break a US President's agenda, or, if from the same party as the President, effectively hinder opposition to their policies.
Previously the role was held by Democrat Nancy Pelosi. But after losing the House to the Republicans in the recent midterm elections, the position will now switch hands.
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