Salvini resigns as League leader ahead of party congress

Matteo Salvini has resigned as leader of the League, an Italian political party, ahead of its special congress in Milan on 24 and 25 October.

He said the formal step was needed so he could stand for the role again.

The party’s treasurer, Alberto Di Rubba, will manage it until the congress, while the three deputy leaders have also resigned.

Salvini is expected to face no challengers, and delegates are due to vote by a show of hands if he is the only candidate.

He has also proposed updating the party logo and creating a political leadership team to share decision-making.

The congress comes after tensions within the party over its direction and demands for more collective choices.

It will also set out League priorities ahead of Italy’s budget decisions and the next national election campaign.