The immigrants living the 'British dream': As Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch becomes first black woman to lead the Tories, the inspiring success stories of those who came to UK from abroad with hopes of a life of opportunity By RORY TINGLE and ALETHEA FARLINE and FILIPA GASPAR Published: 21:22 EST, 10 November 2024 | Updated: 21:22 EST, 10 November 2024 e-mail View comments Kemi Badenoch has spoken of being a product of the 'British dream' after going from a child growing up in Nigeria to the head of the Conservative Party . The 44-year-old was born in a private maternity hospital in Wimbledon before spending her childhood in Nigeria. When the country's economy collapsed in the 1990s, she returned to London - working at McDonald's to pay for college.
While her story is remarkable, it is far from unique, with thousands up and down the country enjoying flourishing lives after arriving in Britain from abroad - often as children. Below, MailOnline reveals some of their inspiring personal stories, from a former pupil at Ms Badenoch's school who also came to the UK and became a successful businesswoman, to a former child refugee from Sri Lanka who now owns a string of health clinics - 'I went to the same school in Nigeria as Kemi Badenoch - Britain is full of opportunities' A Nigerian-born business owner who attended school with Kemi Badenoch says they are both proof of the opportunities available in the UK. Mariam Olayinka moved to England in 2008 while studying for a Masters degree .