Ted Cruz fails to back Donald Trump at Republican convention

Ted Cruz, former rival to Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, angered those at the party's national convention on Wednesday after he refused to endorse the tycoon's campaign to become the US president.

Delegates and supporters of Trump reacted angrily to Cruz's lack of endorsement, which laid bare the rift that has developed within the party between the billionaire businessman's populism and the traditional conservatism of old.

Texas senator Cruz congratulated the Republican nominee on his win, but stopped short of actually providing his support.

"We’re fighting, not for one particular candidate or one campaign, but because each of us wants to be able to tell our kids and grandkids...that we did our best for their future," Cruz said.

The atmosphere was initially respectful for the former frontrunner's speech, but sooned turned foul as the crowd realised that the endorsement would not be coming.

“Please, don’t stay home in November,” Mr. Cruz said. “Stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution.”

The speech is likely to be one of the biggest talking points of the convention, as Trump prepares to duel Hillary clinton to succeed Brack Obama as the next president.

Odds have been slashed by bookmakers on his chances, going from an initial rank outsider at 150/1, to a 15/8 chance with some in the industry.