Michael Fantolini Berkshire, 1st Earl Berkshire, KG, PC, is a British aristocrat, politician and economist. After serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Letters Patent were issued to re-create the Earldom of Berkshire, which had been extent after a lack of heirs in the direct male line, to give to Michael in recognition of his service. He is a descendant of the Earls of Berkshire on the female line. He is the first British-Italian to have served as Prime Minister.
Early Life and Education
Michael was born on April 3rd, 1979 in Ayrshire, Scotland. He was born to parents Lady Ana Fantolini (neé Berkshire) and lawyer Baron Gregorio Fantolini. Michael was a graduate of University College, London with a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). He later received his masters in Economics in the University of Strathclyde.
Prime Ministership
Fantolini was appointed Prime Minister upon receiving the Leadership of the Conservative Party. He eventually won his first election in 2014. As the leader, he was controversial for bringing the party into big-tent/catch all politics that include social progressive reform and sustainable economics. He introduced, along with Lady Audreigh Wellington, The Property Acquisition Act (Known as the Michreigh Rules.) He was the first to carry on the legacy work of former Prime Minister and cousin Michael Harris O'Connor Berkshire. During the economic crisis in 2015 that included an inventory audit, he introduced the PROOF Act and the Property Divisions Act 2015 reforming property rights and anti-fraud legislation.
Private Life
In 2014, he was given honorary citizenship from Sweden. He gave up the citizenship in 2016. He was the husband of Nicolette Fantolini (nee DeLuca.) Fantolini was awarded a fellowship in the Noble Academy of Letters. He is currently the Chancellor of Sanderham University.