Silvio free to make PM bid after ban lift

SILVIO Berlusconi could run for Prime Minister in Italy again after a court lifted a ban on him standing for public office.

The 81-year-old has been premier four times. Three days ago he gave his blessing for political ally the League to form a government without him in the wake of March’s poll.

Berlusconi was axed from parliament and barred from elected positions for six years after a 2013 tax fraud conviction.

But a Milan court has ruled it can be lifted early for “good conduct”.

His Forza Italia party said: “Five years of injustice has ended. Berlusconi can once again be a candidate.”