There has been a procedural oversight at the party conference that re-elected Salvini as secretary. The new logo was supposed to be amended in the party constitution, but it was not put to a vote. Meanwhile, the first outcome of the Carroccio’s two-day conference in Milan sees MP Matone switch to Forza Italia

The Salvini-Garavaglia clash takes place in a heavily guarded room; Romeo is attacked by the leader’s top aides and defends himself: “We’re losing votes; you’re boycotting me.” There is an air of purges, and Durigon suggests to Zaia that he join the political secretariat.

“We are neither left-wing nor right-wing, let alone far-right. Just as we have never been, and cannot be, moderates. I want this to be a team, a group of friends – cheerful friends.” Massimo Garavaglia talks about his Lega

“Outside the party, people are telling us that either we renew ourselves or they’ll choose someone else,” says the Lega’s Senate group leader. The former Minister for Tourism will challenge Salvini at the party conference: “I’ve tried to get hold of him several times, but he’s never replied.” Durigon denies this: “He did hear from him; perhaps he’s forgotten.”

The 80 signatures required to take part in the conference on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October in Milan have been reached. Among those who have signed in support of the former Minister for Tourism are the Governor of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, and the Senate group leader, Massimiliano Romeo.

Garavaglia is just a few signatures short of challenging the leader at the Lega congress. The Deputy Prime Minister could gather them personally amongst MEPs and turn an awkward candidacy into a show of generosity. For a congress to be a celebration, one must also make room for one’s rival