In an extraordinary showdown, the US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has been voted out of the job. The 216-to-210 vote marked the first time in history that the House removed its leader, with eight Republicans voting along with 208 Democrats to remove McCarthy. The rebellion was led by Representative Matt Gaetz, a far-right Republican from Florida. He had accused the party leader of not doing enough to cut federal spending or to stand up to Democratic President Joe Biden.
McCarthy’s ouster as speaker brings legislative activity in the House to a halt, with another government shutdown deadline looming on November 17 if Congress does not extend funding.
McCarthy told lawmakers that he would not run again for the Speaker, putting the gavel up for grabs.
The next steps are highly uncertain as there is no obvious successor to lead the House Republican majority. Action is halted in the House until next week when Republicans try to elect a new speaker.