The White House has taunted Mark Carney over Donald Trump’s desire to turn Canada into America’s 51st state, saying a remarkable election result does not change that plan – even as Mr Trump himself congratulated the Canadian prime minister on his victory.

Carney, who recently succeeded Liberal Justin Trudeau as prime minister, has called snap elections for April 28, in what is seen as a major test of how far attitudes have changed toward the previously clear favorite, Poilievre, who has been compared ideologically to President Donald Trump.