A defiant Sean Spicer rounded on the "mainstream media" in his first interview since resigning as Donald Trump's press secretary.

He used an interview with the conservative Fox News television host Sean Hannity to deny there had been a rift in the White House following the appointment of Anthony Scaramucci as the administration's communications chief.

Mr Spicer said he made his decision following talks at the White House with Mr Trump.

It had been reported in the American media - including Fox News - that Mr Spicer had walked out because he objected to Mr Scaramucci's appointment.