President Obama has pledged to find a way to work with Republicans over the next two years to end political gridlock.

In a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, he told voters he had ‘heard them’ and that they wanted change in Washington.

He congratulated the Republicans on their campaign after the Democrats lost control of the Senate in a disastrous performance in the midterm elections.

“We can surely find ways to work together on issues where there’s broad agreement among the American people. So I look forward to Republicans putting forward their governing agenda, I will offer my ideas on areas where I think we can move forward together to respond to people’s economic needs,” Obama said, adding “I continue to believe we are simply more than just a collection of red and blue states, we are the United States.”

The president proposed job creation, rebuilding infrastructure and boosting American exports as possible points of agreement.

Obama also said he planned to authorise military force against ISIL, ask for more funding to help combat Ebola and get a budget passed.