President-elect Bush faces an uphill struggle to heal the divisions which have arisen during the past two months of legal wrangling for the White House.

As well as problems with the US, French prime minister Lionel Jospin yesterday made an extraordinary statement casting doubt on the legitimacy of Bush's victory.

Tony Blair was the first foreign leader to congratulate Bush, offering him Britain's "unwavering support". Bush is reported to be considering reforming the system of voting for president, which has come under heavy criticism following the election.

Before leaving the UK yesterday Bill Clinton said anglo-US relations would grow stronger, not weaker, over the coming years.