Robert Gates has reportedly agreed to remain as defence secretary in the new Obama administration, a move that marks the first time a new president has retained a Pentagon chief who served the other political party.

President-elect Barack Obama is expected to unveil his national security team next week, which will also include Hillary Clinton as secretary of state. Mr Obama is leaning towards retired General James Jones, former US commander of Nato forces, as his national security adviser, and considering retired Admiral Dennis Blair, former head of the US Pacific Command, for director of national intelligence.