When I visit Milan – having lived in London for 10 years – I am now used to the usual questions about how could I move from Italy and miss the sun, sea, espressos, olive oil, and the wine… I am also used to the inevitable incredulity when I say I like living in Britain.

The next discussion is always about Silvio Berlusconi, no matter what else is happening in the country. When I returned home last week, while others talked gloomily of austerity packages, Berlusconi continued to be staple dinner party conversation, especially in Milan. It was the first region to send a message through the local elections in May that Berlusconi's era is coming to an end.