Berlusconi loses ban vote

Silvio Berlusconi's political career looks to nearing an end tonight after the Italian senate reportedly voted to expel the former prime minister from parliament.

Mr Berlusconi addressed the nation ahead of the vote, calling on them to protest in his defence insisting he is "innocent" of tax fraud.

The vote brings an end to the former Italian prime minister's colourful and controversy-filled political career as ITV News' Europe Editor James Mates reports:

Read: Silvio Berlusconi's famous gaffes and controversies

Silvio Berlusconi has vowed to stay at the heart of Italian politics even if he is expelled from government over a fraud conviction.

In a long-awaited television address ahead of Senate announcement on his future in Italy's parliament, the former prime minister said:

"I will always be with you, at your side, expelled from parliament or not. It is not the parliamentary seat that makes a leader."

The 76-year-old billionaire insisted he was "absolutely innocent" of tax fraud, before accusing judges of plotting against him to pervert democracy.

Read: Silvio Berlusconi's famous gaffes and controversies