Republican Matt Gaetz files resolution to remove Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker

Matt Gaetz answers questions from members of the media after speaking on the House floor (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Republican Matt Gaetz has filed a resolution to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the US House, setting up a likely showdown vote in the days ahead.

The far-right representative from Florida has threatened for months to use a procedural tool, called a motion to vacate, in a bid to strip his fellow party member of office.