Kevin McCarthy has been elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives amid heated exchanges which almost saw fellow Republicans come to blows.
McCarthy finally won the job after 15 rounds of voting, despite his party holding a majority in the chamber.
It came after a dramatic pressure campaign played out live on the House floor as party rebel Matt Gaetz was urged to vote for McCarthy.
The Florida Congressman was among six holdouts who relented late on Friday.
Earlier, amid heated scenes in the chamber, Gaetz had almost come to blows with Rep Mike Rogers – a supporter of McCarthy. The Alabama congressman had to be physically restrained by colleagues as he bellowed and jabbed his finger at Gaetz.
The Speaker sets the House agenda and oversees legislative business. The post is second in line to the presidency after the US vice-president.
Speaking after his confirmation, McCarthy wrote on Twitter: “I hope one thing is clear after this week: I will never give up. And I will never give up for you, the American people.”
US President Joe Biden congratulated McCarthy for his win and said he looked forward to co-operating with the Republican Party.
“The American people expect their leaders to govern in a way that puts their needs above all else, and that is what we need to do now,” he said.
Republicans have already pledged to launch investigations into Biden’s family business dealings and administration.
After the 13th ballot was adjourned, McCarthy insisted to reporters that he would “have the votes” to take the speakership on the next round.
In a remarkable turnaround in the 12th round of voting, McCarthy was able to persuade 14 Republican holdouts to cast their vote for him. A 15th rebel followed suit for the 13th ballot.
But the California congressman was still three votes short of the 217 he needed to take the prized gavel, and in chaotic and dramatic scenes, he again failed to win on the 14th ballot.
The dissidents included members of the House Freedom Caucus, who argue that McCarthy is not conservative enough to lead them as they work to stymie Democratic President Joe Biden’s agenda. (BBC)