Donald Trump hires new staff in overhaul of struggling campaign

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump moved on Wednesday to overhaul his struggling campaign, tapping a seasoned political operative and the head of a conservative news website for top roles.

Mr Trump named veteran political strategist Kellyanne Conway his campaign manager, and Breitbart News executive chairman Stephen Bannon has been brought on as the campaign's chief executive, the Trump campaign said in a statement.

The shake-up comes as opinion polls show Mr Trump falling behind Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the race for the November 8th election.

Paul Manafort will remain as campaign chair, according to a New York Times report. The Washington Post cited campaign aides as saying that while Trump respected Mr Manafort, he felt "'boxed in' and 'controlled' by people who barely knew him".

Mr Manafort was forced to deny any impropriety this week after the New York Times reported his name was on secret ledgers showing cash payments designated to him of more than $12 million (€10.65m) from a Ukrainian political party with close ties to Russia.

Mr Manafort took on the role in March after Trump fired his predecessor Corey Lewandowski.

Reuters