House of Representatives: why is it taking so long to elect a speaker?

Three rounds of voting failed to elect a speaker as Kevin McCarthy faces opposition from hardline Republicans

What was supposed to be a day of triumph for Republicans coming into the US House majority turned into chaos on Tuesday as fighting over who should lead them ended with no speaker elected.

Kevin McCarthy has led House Republicans since 2019 but he could not overcome opposition from the right following an hours-long series of votes. The opposition from 20 lawmakers stopped the House starting work and delayed the swearing-in of returning members and freshmen.