Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel announces resignation

RNC leader will step down on 8 March after Trump endorses loyalists including daughter-in-law for key roles

The chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) plans to stand down beginning next week, paving the way for a slate of Donald Trump loyalists to lead the party in the run-up to the November general elections.

Ronna McDaniel announced her decision to step down just days after the former president endorsed the North Carolina Republican party chair, Michael Whatley, to lead the RNC; his daughter-in-law Lara Trump to be its co-chair; and his close campaign aide Chris LaCivita as the party's chief operating officer.