Italy political reform referendum gets go ahead

Italy’s highest court gave the green light to a referendum that Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says will guarantee political stability and on which he has staked his future.

Renzi has said he will resign if voters do not approve the constitutional changes he hopes will end Italy’s notoriously shaky political system that has prevented any government completing a full term since World War Two.

It is a huge political gamble for the centre leader, with polls showing many of the 50m voters undecided, with the “No” camp gaining momentum in what will be a very close campaign.