Biden formally wins Democratic nomination to take on Trump

Joe Biden has formally won the Democratic Party nomination to take on Donald Trump in November's presidential election.

He said on Twitter that he had secured the 1,991 delegates needed and would fight to "win the battle for the soul of the nation".

He had been the effective nominee since Bernie Sanders withdrew in April.

Coronavirus - and its effect on the economy - and the recent civil unrest are sure to dominate the election.

Folks, tonight we secured the 1,991 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination. I'm going to spend every day fighting to earn your vote so that, together, we can win the battle for the soul of this nation. https://t.co/sl3wFGabpg

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 6, 2020

Mr Biden, who served as Barack Obama's vice-president, began the primary campaign in faltering style in Iowa and New Hampshire, but then built momentum with a convincing victory in South Carolina.  

He then dominated the so-called Super Tuesday contests, taking 10 of the 14 states.
 
Mr Biden said: 

It was an honour to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party.

Mr Biden, 77, secured the nomination officially after seven states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries on Tuesday.  

It is his third bid for the presidency.