House speakership up in air as resistance to Jim Jordan hardens

Republican Jim Jordan lost the first vote in his bid to become US House of Representatives Speaker after opposition from members of his own party.

Despite intense lobbying, 20 Republicans refused to vote for the right-wing Ohio congressman. 

He abandoned plans for another vote until Wednesday morning. 

Congress’s lower chamber has had no Speaker since Kevin McCarthy was ousted two weeks ago. 

Without a leader, the House cannot pass any bills or approve White House requests for emergency aid. That includes potential help for Israel amid its war with Hamas.

Mr Jordan earned 200 votes in the first ballot on Tuesday, but he needs 217 to secure the Speaker’s gavel.

The Democratic nominee, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, earned more votes – 212 – than Mr Jordan, but Democrats are the minority party in the House, so it was not enough.