US attorney general William Barr to leave post by Christmas

US Attorney General William Barr, one of Donald Trump’s staunchest allies, is stepping down before Christmas, the president has announced.

Mr Barr’s term was due to end on 20 January, when Mr Trump leaves office.

Tensions between the two erupted after Mr Barr said there was no evidence of widespread fraud in November’s vote.

He was criticised by Mr Trump for not publicly disclosing that the justice department was investigating Joe Biden’s son during the campaign.

Mr Trump tweeted Mr Barr’s resignation letter saying: “Our relationship has been a very good one, he has done an outstanding job!”

Mr Barr’s letter to the president began by saying he “appreciated the opportunity to update” the president on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) review of voter fraud allegations in the recent election and “how these allegations will continue to be pursued”.

He did not give more details about the review, and praised Mr Trump’s achievements in office before ending the letter by saying he will depart from his position on 23 December.