Napolitano accepts Letta's resignation as Italian prime minister

Enrico Letta, who yesterday announced his intention to stand down as prime minister of Italy, has handed his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano.

The president is now expected to call on Letta’s rival and fellow Democratic Party (PD) member Matteo Renzi to form a new administration.

Renzi is now the leader of the centre-left PD, the biggest party in the governing coalition.