A section of Republicans in the US House of Representatives removed Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a historic vote.
This threw Congress into more disarray just days after it narrowly avoided a government shutdown.
The 216-to-210 vote was the first time in history that the House dismissed its leader, with eight Republicans joining 208 Democrats to do it. McCarthy told reporters that he would not run for speaker again.
"I fought for what I believe in," stated McCarthy. "I believe I can continue to fight, but maybe in a different manner."
The House appeared to be without a leader for at least a week, as various Republicans stated they expected to meet on Oct. 10 to debate potential McCarthy replacements, with a vote on a new speaker scheduled for Oct. 11.
Representative Matt Gaetz, a far-right Republican from Florida and McCarthy foe spearheaded the revolt on Tuesday when the speaker depended on Democratic votes to help pass a plan to avoid a partial government shutdown on Saturday.
Gaetz told reporters following the vote that Kevin McCarthy is a swamp creature. He rose to power by amassing special interest money and dispersing it in exchange for favors, adding that they are finally breaking the fever.
The latest high drama in a year saw the Republican-controlled House push Washington to the brink of a catastrophic default on $31.4 trillion in US debt and a partial government shutdown.
.jpg)
Republicans have a slim 221-212 advantage in the chamber, which means they can afford to lose no more than five votes if Democrats band together in opposition.
McCarthy's removal as House speaker halts legislative work, with another government shutdown deadline looming on Nov. 17 if Congress does not extend funding.
The White House expressed hope that the House would move quickly to select a successor speaker, who would be second in line to the presidency behind the vice president.
