Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton conceded the race to her rival and president-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday. Clinton urged her supporters to accept the result and “look to the future”, and said that Trump had won the presidency and “we owe him an open mind”. She said she hoped the Republican would be a successful president "for all Americans", and also that she had offered to work with him.

Clinton admitted “the loss hurts”, but said that nothing had made her prouder than being the champion for women across the country who supported her. Addressing young women, she said, “Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance”. Clinton added that the “hardest and highest” glass ceiling in the country had not been shattered yet, but said it would be some day.

Clinton made pointed remarks about standing for values, telling her audience, "fighting for what is right is always worth it", saying that she believes everyone, immigrants, people with different races, religious beliefs, LGBT people and people with disabilities, deserve the country's support. This was seen as a dig at the Trump campaign, which has been dominated by misogyny, racism, Islamophobia and a hardline stance on immigration.

Clinton thanked outgoing Democratic President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and her running mate Tim Kaine, among others. Kaine, who had introduced Clinton, said her victory would have made history.

House Speaker Paul Ryan also spoke ahead of Clinton’s speech, and announced his decision to stay on in his post. He said Trump would lead a united Republican party, and that he had won more seats “than anyone expected”.

Trump won in a shocking victory on Wednesday, bagging more than 270 electoral votes, after polls had predicted a win for his rival. His win ends the Democrats’ eight-year run at the White House.