Nancy Pelosi is stepping down as Democratic leader

Nancy Pelosi is stepping down as Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, having held the role since 2004.

After leading Democrats for nearly 20 years, the 82-year-old made the announcement in a spirited speech.

“Now we must move boldly into the future,” Pelosi said.

“I will not seek re-election to Democratic leadership in the next Congress.

“For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect.”

Pelosi worked her way up the ranks and won her first term as speaker in 2007, to which she served until 2011.

In 2019, she returned to the post and was later re-elected as speaker in 2021.

Her husband, Paul, was recently attacked at their home with a hammer on Friday 28 October.

The man accused of attacking Pelosi’s husband has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a federal official’s family member.

A second charge alleges DePape attempted to kidnap a US official on account of the performance of official duties.

DePape is currently being held without bail in state custody.