Who is Kevin McCarthy and what are his goals if elected speaker?

Kevin McCarthy, 57, was first elected to Congress in 2006 and currently serves California’s 23rd district in the House of Representatives.

After winning $5,000 (£4,142) on a lottery scratch card at the age of 20, Mr McCarthy took all of his cash and parlayed it into the opening of a deli, putting himself through college.

Whilst studying at California State University, Bakersfield, he interned for Congressman Bill Thomas, later becoming part of his permanent staff.

After being elected to Congress he quickly became Chief Deputy Whip and later served as Majority Whip. In 2014, he was elected Republican leader in the House.

Back in 2015 he suddenly withdrew his name from the running for House speaker after resistance from the same kind of conservatives who have currently blocked his path on three ballots.

If elected speaker, Mr McCarthy has forecasted a strong focus on investigative efforts into the Biden administration under a Republican House majority.

Before the November midterms, he unveiled a “commitment to America” with four overarching goals: a strong economy, a safe nation, government accountability and freedom.

On foreign issues, Mr McCarthy has said he wants more oversight of the spending to support Ukraine as it defends against Russia’s nearly year-old invasion.