US President Joe Biden announces he’s withdrawing from the race to be the next president, after mounting pressure from Democrats.
He says his decision “is in the best interest of my party and the country” – but will stay on for the final six months of his term.
Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris, the current vice-president, to be the new Democratic nominee.
Former President Barack Obama says Biden is “one of America’s most consequential presidents”, praising him as a “patriot of the highest order”.
It comes four months before Americans go to the polls on 5 November.
Biden, 81, had faced increasing calls to step aside after a faltering debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump in June.
(BBC News)
