Resignation blow for Berlusconi

One of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's best-known ministers said she will resign after confidence votes next month that could trigger elections.

Equal Opportunities Minister Mara Carfagna told Il Mattino newspaper that she would back the government in the 14 December votes but resign from the cabinet and also from Mr Berlusconi's conservative People of Freedom party. She said she had been sidelined in the government, and Mr Berlusconi had lost control of his party which had degenerated into feuding "gangs".