The newly elected Republican Congress in the US will press President Barack Obama to enact a sweeping pro-business agenda which cuts taxes, strips the energy sector of regulation and lifts some restrictions on banks imposed after the financial crisis.

The Republicans overwhelmed the Democrats in election victories in Congress and in governor’s races on Tuesday night as they regained control of Capitol Hill and the legislative agenda for the first time since 2006 when George W Bush was in the White House.

In a repudiation of Mr Obama at the start of his final two years in office, the Republicans are set to gain nine seats in the 100-member Senate, which would give the new majority leader, Kentucky senator Mitch McConnell, a reasonable 54-46 cushion in the chamber, although legislation usually needs 60 votes.