Tessa Jowell, culture secretary, has insisted that David Mills, her estranged husband, is innocent of allegations that he accepted a bribe from Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister, writes Jean Eaglesham.

Mr Mills, a corporate lawyer, is facing a potential trial on corruption charges. Ms Jowell told the FT: "This is a case which is before the Italian courts. I have always been absolutely confident that in due course [Mr Mills] would be vindicated. He has always made it absolutely clear that he was never bribed by Silvio Berlusconi or anybody else." Ms Jowell admitted the political and media furore over the allegations earlier this year had been "very difficult". She was cleared by Tony Blair of breaching the ministerial code of conduct in March when the prime minister accepted her claim that Mr Mills did not tell her for four years he had received a $600,000 gift.