America '˜not brave enough to elect first woman president' says Sunderland MP

Mrs Clinton lost the election to Republican counterpart Donald Trump following a fierce campaign.

Mr Trump defied pre-election polling to claim swing states in the contest, winning the key battlegrounds of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

As poll counting went late into the night, it was Mr Trump’s shock victory in Wisconsin that put him over the 270 out of 538 electoral college votes needed to win the White House.

Outgoing President Barack Obama has congratulated his successor by phone.

Speaking about the election result, MP Julie Elliott, who represents Sunderland Central constituency, said: “It’s a matter for the American people who they elect, however, it is with deep regret that they have not been brave enough to elect the first woman president, in Hillary Clinton.

“I wish Mr Trump and the American people the very best of luck in tackling the challenges ahead.”