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The United States is in uncharted territory politically. The speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, has been removed from office, after a challenge from eight hard right rebels within his own Republican party.

It's the first time a speaker has ever been ousted by what's known as a 鈥渕otion to vacate鈥�. The speaker of the lower chamber of congress is a key role in the US system of government, setting the legislative agenda.

Mr McCarthy had been in post for 9 months, but faced constant battles with hard-line conservatives. During the vote he was supported by 210 Republican lawmakers - all but but eight of his party.

The final straw for this group seemed to be Mr McCarthy's backing for a bill that will ensure that government agencies continue to receive funding. It was a compromise with the White House - of President Joe Biden, of the Democratic party - which seems to have got under some Republicans' skin.

'Bring it on', Speaker McCarthy said to the rebels - so they brought it - and now he's no longer the Speaker.
For some reaction and analysis, Newsday spoke to Bob Inglis, a former Republican party Congressman.

"It's total chaos. The majority of the eight are motivated by grudges that they hold."

(Pic: Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy; Credit: Reuters)

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