Senior campaign officials said Mr Obama, who was yesterday showered with effusive congratulations from leaders around the world, will also appoint at least two Republicans to senior cabinet positions. He wants an “administration which is young and diverse”, said one person close to Mr Obama.

His decision to move quickly including on senior economic posts – probably within the next 48 hours – follows his emphatic victory over John McCain on Tuesday which made him America's first black president and the first Democratic contender to win more than 50 per cent of the popular vote since 1976.

Mr Obama beat his rival in almost all voting groups bar whites and the elderly. He scored clear victories among Hispanics, African-American, young and first time voters and women. He swept both cities and suburbs.