United States President-elect Joe Biden has nominated a retired army general, Lloyd Austin, as Secretary of Defence.
  
Austin, who was formally introduced yesterday at a ceremony in Delaware, would be first black leader of the Pentagon, a historic decision that could have even more resonance at a time of extraordinary racial tension in the country.

Before Austin’s nomination, Biden was facing pressure from activists over a lack of diversity in some of the key cabinet posts announced so far.

Many had tipped Michele Flournoy, an experienced Washington hand and Biden supporter, for the job.