Nancy Pelosi steps down as US House Speaker

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced she will step down as the Democratic leader in the chamber.

Ms Pelosi has spent almost two decades in the role after becoming the first female speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007.

The 82-year-old will remain a lawmaker in the chamber.

“The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect,” Ms Pelosi said.