Donald Trump has officially been nominated by the Republican Party as its candidate to contest the presidential election.

Mr Trump gained 1,725 delegates, with Texas senator Ted Cruz on 475, Ohio governor John Kasich on 129 and Florida senator Marco Rubio on 113.

In a video message, Mr Trump said that winning the nomination was something he would "never forget".

He added: "This is a movement but we have to go all the way."

Mr Trump said he would "win the presidency and bring real change and leadership back to Washington".


The nomination process was opened by Alabama senator Jeff Sessions who declared billionaire Trump to be "a warrior and a winner".

Such a great honor to be the Republican Nominee for President of the United States. I will work hard and never let you down! AMERICA FIRST! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 19, 2016

New York Representative Chris Collins seconded the nomination, saying that Mr Trump would defeat terrorism and make the US safe again.

Mr Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski announced that his home state of New Hampshire was also casting its votes for "my friend and the next president of the United States, Donald J Trump".

Mr Lewandowski was fired by the Trump campaign last month but has continued to voice his support for his old boss in his new job as a commentator on CNN.

Image: Delegates in the hall as Trump secures enough votes

The final announcement was made by Mr Trump's son Donald Jr, who told delegates that New York was casting 89 votes for Mr Trump and six for Ohio governor John Kasich.

He added: "It's my honor to be able to throw Donald Trump over the top in the delegation count tonight.

"Congratulations, Dad, we love you."

His words were greeted with thunderous applause from convention delegates at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

The ROLL CALL is beginning at the Republican National Convention. Very exciting! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 19, 2016

Mr Trump, 70, had earlier tweeted about his excitement as the roll call began.

He is expected to formally accept the nomination in a speech on Thursday.

He will then face Democrat Hillary Clinton in November's presidential election.

Delegates in Cleveland were implored to shout "guilty" as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie went through accusations of wrong doing against Mrs Clinton.

Riled up, the crowd yelled "Lock her up! Lock her up!"

Failed Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson went so far as to associate Clinton with Lucifer.

Republicans also placed Indiana governor Mike Pence's name on the nomination for vice president.

On the first day of the convention, Republicans against Donald Trump were thwarted in a last-ditch bid to vote against the tycoon.

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