Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has fallen far short in voting to become speaker of the US House of Representatives. The newly elected Republican majority fell into disarray on the opening day of the new Congress, refusing to elect Mr McCarthy in multiple rounds before finally adjourning for the night.

Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has fallen far short in voting to become speaker of the US House of Representatives. The newly elected Republican majority fell into disarray on the opening day of the new Congress, refusing to elect Mr McCarthy in multiple rounds before finally adjourning for the night.