Kevin McCarthy won the role of Speaker of the US House of Representatives after 15 rounds of voting.

For the first time in more than 100 years, the United States failed to elect a Speaker of the House of Representatives on the first ballot.

Kevin McCarthy had to make several concessions to win over hardline Republicans, who voted against him in 15 rounds.

The House could not proceed with other business, including swearing in members, until the speaker was elected.

The House is the lower chamber of Congress – and one of its important jobs is to keep the president in check.

But how will the divided-party Republicans retain control of the US legislature?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra

Guests:
Rina Shah – Conservative political consultant and founder of Rilax Strategies

Jason Nichols – Progressive political analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Maryland, College Park

Natasha Lindstaedt – American political analyst and Deputy Dean of Education at the University of Essex