Donald Trump declares victory early in US election

Donald Trump has claimed a "magnificent victory" in the US election as he looks set to return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States.

He took an early lead overnight winning key battleground states like North Carolina and Georgia.

He's also projected to take Pennsylvania.

The other places the election could be decided are: Nevada, Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Under the US voting system, a total of 270 votes in what is known as the electoral college are needed to win the presidential election.

He's on track to reach that sitting at 266 currently with counting continuing in some areas.

The race initially appeared neck-and-neck as Americans went to the polls, but Mr Trump pulled ahead as predicted results came in from solidly red states, including Florida, Texas and Alabama through the night.

Democrat candidate Ms Harris’ support came from her party’s strongholds on the east and west coast in states like New York, Delaware, and California.

Trump has declared his victory early during a speech this morning to supporters.

Kamala Harris is yet to concede but leaders around the world have already started congratulating Mr Trump, including Sir Keir Starmer.

The outcome of the contest will have a sweeping impact on global politics, including in the UK where Sir Keir Starmer’s Government may have to grapple with upheaval in America’s security and defence approach if Mr Trump wins.

Sir Keir is expected to be following the results of the US election, but his official spokesman did not say whether the Prime Minister would be staying up overnight to watch the results roll in.

Speaking to GB News from Florida, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described Mr Trump’s lead in the race as “the most incredible political comeback in any of our lifetimes”.

Mr Farage, who has fostered close links with the Trump campaign, added: “He was down and out in 2020, he has been through the courts, he has been through goodness knows what and here he is just a few hours away from becoming the 47th president of the USA.”

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