Barack Obama has backed Gavin Newsom’s plan to redraw California’s voting map. The former US president said it was a necessary step to stave off Donald Trump’s efforts to redistrict Texas, which would favour Republicans in the state.

President Barack Obama on Wednesday praised California’s redistricting efforts, arguing that the state’s move is necessary to combat “partisan” gerrymandering in Texas. Texas launched an effort earlier this year backed by President Donald Trump to redraw district lines to boost the number of seats Republicans hold in the House by five.