Romney secures crucial endorsement

Top Republican Eric Cantor has endorsed Mitt Romney for president of the US, giving the frontrunner a boost as the primary nomination contest reaches a critical stage.

Cantor’s endorsement, the first from a top member of the Republican congressional leadership, was seen as the strongest sign yet that the party establishment wants the bitter primary battle wrapped up soon.

Romney is the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination to take on President Barack Obama in November, but has faced stubborn challenges from Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich.