The US House of Representatives has voted to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his job, as infighting among his fellow Republicans plunges Congress into further chaos just days after it narrowly averted a government shutdown.

The 216 to 210 vote marked the first time in history that the House removed its leader, with eight Republicans voting with 208 Democrats to remove McCarthy. 

Patrick McHenry of North Carolina has been appointed speaker pro tempore of the House after the stunning ouster.

McCarthy told reporters he would not make another run for speaker.

"I fought for what I believe in," McCarthy said. "I believe I can continue to fight, but maybe in a different manner."

The House looked set to go leaderless for at least a week, as multiple Republicans said they planned to meet on October 10 to discuss possible McCarthy successors, with a vote on a new speaker planned for October 11.

The dramatic showdown forced by McCarthy’s chief rival, Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, brought together more than a handful of conservative Republican critics of the speaker and many Democrats who say he is unworthy of leadership.

Republicans control the chamber by a narrow 221-212 majority, meaning they can afford to lose no more than five votes if Democrats unite in opposition.

McCarthy's ouster as speaker essentially brings legislative activity in the House to a halt, with another government shutdown deadline looming November 17 if Congress does not extend funding.

The White House said it hoped the House would move swiftly to choose a replacement speaker, a position second in line to the presidency after the vice president.

McCarthy’s fate was left uncertain after the House earlier rejected a motion that would have blocked the leadership challenge to him, by a vote of 218-208. Some 11 Republicans joined with the chamber’s Democrats to allow the challenge to go forward.

“We’ll see what happens,” McCarthy, 58, told reporters before the vote.

The speakership is the latest moment of high drama in a year that has seen the Republican-controlled House bring Washington to the brink of default and the edge of a partial government shutdown.

Matt Gaetz leaves a meeting on the morning after he filed a motion to strip Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. – AP

In debate on the House floor, Gaetz and a handful of allies criticised McCarthy for relying on Democratic votes to pass temporary funding that headed off a partial government shutdown. They also said he had not pushed hard enough to cut spending.

“We need a speaker who will fight for something – anything – other than staying on as speaker,” said Republican Representative Bob Good.

McCarthy’s supporters, including some of the chamber’s most vocal conservatives, said he had successfully limited spending and advanced other conservative priorities even though Democrats control the White House and the Senate. They warned their gains would be at risk if they removed their leader.

“Think long and hard before you plunge us into chaos, because that’s where we’re headed,” said Republican Representative Tom Cole.

Democrats said they would not help Republicans resolve their own problems. They broadly view McCarthy as untrustworthy after he broke an agreement on spending with Democratic President Joe Biden, and are angered by his decision to green-light an impeachment investigation of the president.

“Let them wallow in their pigsty of incompetence,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal, who leads a group of progressive Democratic lawmakers.

Republican Bob Good speaks on the floor of the House in favour of the motion to vacate the chair of House Speaker. – Reuters

Gaetz was one of more than a dozen Republicans who repeatedly voted against McCarthy’s bid for speaker in January. McCarthy ultimately secured the gavel after 15 rounds of voting.

Some Republicans say they should focus on legislating, rather than infighting.

“This country does not need more drama,” said Republican Representative Steve Womack.

McCarthy supporters have said Gaetz was motivated by a hunger for publicity, a chance to win higher office, or resentment over an ongoing ethics probe into possible misconduct. Representative Garret Graves pointed out that he has been fundraising off his effort to oust McCarthy. “It’s disgusting,” he said.

Gaetz, who has denied wrongdoing and said he is not motivated by a dislike of McCarthy.

“This isn’t a critique of the individual – it’s a critique of the job. The job hasn’t been done,” Gaetz said.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a letter to colleagues that he wants to work with Republicans, but he was unwilling to provide the votes needed to save McCarthy.

“It is now the responsibility of the GOP members to end the House Republican Civil War,” Jeffries said, announcing the Democratic leadership would vote for the motion to oust the speaker.

'Chaos is never America's friend': Mike Pence reacts to McCarthy ouster. – AP

A motion to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy passes by a vote of 216-210. – Reuters