Democrats in the US are preparing for their national convention which is getting underway in Philadelphia today.

So far it has been shrouded in controversy over leaked e-mails into corruption within the party that led to Hillary Clinton becoming the nominee.

She is due to be officially declared the party's candidate over the coming days.

In what was supposed to be a far more united front than the show put on by Republican's at their national convention in Cleveland last week, the Democrats have been rocked by another scandal.

This time a leak by whistleblower website Wikileaks has revealed the content of thousands of e-mails showing Democrat headquarters actively favouring Hillary Clinton over her closest rival Bernie Sanders during the primaries.

The revelations have led to the swift resignation of the party chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.

Responding to the resignation, Hillary Clinton said: "I am grateful to Debbie for getting the Democratic Party to this year’s historic convention in Philadelphia, and I know that this week’s events will be a success thanks to her hard work and leadership."

Mr Sanders is still expected to give the keynote address endorsing Mrs Clinton late tonight, although issued a statement suggesting "the party leadership must always remain impartial in the presidential nominating process, something which did not occur in the 2016 race":

Sanders Statement on DNC Chair Resignation pic.twitter.com/xMA60mnBIT

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 24, 2016

As the official convention events get underway, supporters of Mr Sanders have already taken to the streets of Philadelphia to protest against Mrs Clinton's nomination.

I haven't seen any #Hillary peeps in #Philly today. Only angry #BernieSanders delegates and supporters. @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/qT8AhmPELZ

— Shona Murray (@ShonaMurrayNT) July 25, 2016

Mrs Clinton officially named Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her pick for vice-president over the weekend.

Newstalk.com's Shona Murray is in Philadelphia, and spoke earlier to Breakfast about what is expected now.