Meet the woman who took Brexit to court

Gina Miller, 52, launched a historic legal challenge that forced Theresa May to hold a vote in Parliament on invoking Article 50 – the first step towards leaving the EU. She runs an investment firm in London with her husband and has three children

Compiled by Tracy Ramsden

Inspiration

‘My father, an activist and [former] leader of the opposition party in Guyana, always told me to challenge things you feel are not right. People think I came out of nowhere when I challenged the government, but I’ve spent my career fighting for transparency in the financial sector and helping charities. Dad always said, "You have a responsibility to use your position and success to champion the rights of others less fortunate.”’

Motivation

‘As a black woman in the City I’ve faced endless obstacles. People presumed I was the tea lady when I walked into boardrooms; they said, “Shut up and know [your] place.” Today, I’m sent death threats so regularly that I can’t go out with my family. But I’m determined to make my voice heard. Being a mother has made me a lioness. I had my eldest daughter when I was very young. There were no midwives on duty and she was starved of oxygen at birth. She’s now 29 but has the mental age of a seven-year-old. It’s tough, but I have to set an example. My children rely on me.’

Goal

‘Through my Vote2018 campaign, I want to empower people to speak out to ensure we get the best deal for Britain under Brexit.’