Democratic splits grow as key senator Manchin says no to voting rights bill

• Manchin opposes For the People Act and supports filibuster
• Senator condemned by colleague as the new Mitch McConnell'
• US politics - live coverage

Growing fissures in Democratic ranks were evident on Monday over West Virginia senator Joe Manchin's public opposition to the For the People Act, a sweeping measure to protect voting rights that are under assault from Republicans in numerous states - and also his stance against scrapping the filibuster.

The filibuster is the rule under which the Senate minority, currently the Republicans, has the power to thwart the majority's will on most legislation.