Gingrich to keep job after ethics probe

Newt Gingrich will be able to retain his powerful position in the US Congress following a probe of his ethics, sources close to the investigation said.

The House ethics subcommittee recommended that Mr Gingrich, a Republican, be given a reprimand, rather than the more serious punishment, censure, which would have cost him his job as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The decision means that Gingrich can stay at his post, one of the most influential legislative jobs in Washington.

The investigation focused on Gingrich's involvement with a tax-exempt organization which he set up to finance a college course. The course was videotaped and distributed as a recruiting aid. AP - Washington