The Republicans have been plunged into turmoil after hardline members repeatedly blocked their own leader from becoming the new House of Representatives speaker.
Republican bosses had planned to replace Democrat speaker Nancy Pelosi with party leader Kevin McCarthy after wrestling control of the House in the recent midterm elections
But the usually straightforward process was thrown into disarray on Tuesday when a caucus of right-wing Republicans put forward their own candidate, Jim Jordan.
The group’s support of Mr Jordan – who insisted he did not want the job – meant Mr McCarthy could not secure enough votes from his party to win the vote.
It is the first time in 100 years that a nominee for House speaker failed to be appointed on the first vote.
The group behind the rebellion – the ultraconservative Freedom caucus – are usually vocal backers of ex-president Donald Trump, who has previously backed Mr McCarthy for House speaker.
However, figures including Florida representative Matt Gaetz have publicly spoken out against Mr Trump’s pick.
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After three rounds of inconclusive voting, the House of Representatives adjourned without choosing a new speaker, blocking the House from carrying out its usual business until a new presiding officer is chosen.
Without a speaker, the House cannot fully form and cannot swear in its members, name its committee chairs and engage in floor proceedings.
The House is scheduled to convene again on Wednesday, with Mr McCarthy insisting he will not drop out.
“It’s not going to happen,” he said when asked if he would back down.
However, the rebels also showed no signs of ceding either, with Republican holdout Bob Good saying: “Kevin McCarthy is not going to be a speaker.”
