Emotional McConnell announces end to 17-year tenure as top US Senate Republican

Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history, announced he will step down in November. Mr McConnell, who turned 82 last week, announced his impending departure in the well of the Senate on Wednesday. “One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter,” he said. “So I stand before you today... to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.” His decision punctuates a powerful ideological transition underway in the Republican Party, from Ronald Reagan’s brand of traditional conservatism and strong international alliances, to the fiery, often isolationist populism of former president Donald Trump. Read more here: Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: