Silvio Berlusconi's relationship with David Mills, a corporate lawyer and the husband of Tessa Jowell, culture secretary in Tony Blair's cabinet, has become an issue in the Italian prime minister's campaign for re-election.

Mr Berlusconi's opponents are demanding his resignation because prosecutors suspect him of bribing Mr Mills with £400,000 ($697,840 €585,640) to give false testimony in two trials in which the premier was cleared of corruption charges.