Bitter Republican battle is finally over as Gingrich concedes defeat over who should run for President

'I have a crush – but it's cougarish'

President's speech strikes campaigning note as ad campaign targets Romney's record

Newt Gingrich stormed to a shock victory over Mitt Romney in the South Carolina primary today, scrambling the race to choose a Republican challenger to President Barack Obama.

Candidate's departure and support for moderate rival prompts calls among conservatives to unite

The long journey to the White House seldom offers a chance to see a high-flying candidate speak candidly. By David Usborne

The long journey towards the White House seldom offers a chance to see a high-flying candidate speak candidly – with no script or stage management. But there is one place where guards are dropped... David Usborne climbs aboard

If Mitt Romney does become President, the first thing he might have to do is mend fences with Europe. The Old Continent may be a regular butt of criticism in the US – but rarely criticism as virulent and continuous as that dished out on the campaign trail by the 2012 Republican front-runner.

David Usborne joins bullish Republican frontrunner on journey to South Carolina

Mitt Romney, trying for a second time around to make it all the way to his party’s presidential nod and thereafter to the White House, swept to victory in the New Hampshire primary yesterday; a win that makes him the clear front-runner going into the next nominating contests.

Gingrich supporters spend $3.4m on hostile advertising for South Carolina primary

Spanish police are investigating the death of a US student in Barcelona but say so far do not suspect foul play.

Despite some last-minute gaffes, Mitt Romney remained the overwhelming favourite to win the New Hampshire presidential primary today, but the margin of victory could determine whether he quickly clinches the Republican nomination or faces a gruelling battle.

Republican front-runner faces heat over employment laws on eve of primary