Republicans in congress reacted with fury to the FBI director's announcement clearing Hillary Clinton of criminal wrongdoing two days before the election.

James Comey caused a second shock to the presidential race on Sunday, stating the agency had not changed its conclusions on Mrs Clinton's use of a private email whilst she was secretary of state.

"None of this changes the fact that the FBI continues to investigate the Clinton Foundation for corruption involving her tenure as secretary of state," said Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee. "Hillary Clinton should never be president."