NICOLA Sturgeon joined other political figures in congratulating the Prime Minister and his fiancee on the birth of their son.
Boris Johnson’s partner Carrie Symonds, 32, gave birth to a boy at an NHS hospital in London yesterday morning.
Taking to Twitter, the First Minister said: “Some good news – sending congratulations to Carrie and the PM. And wishing health and happiness to the wee one.”
Johnson returned to work in Number 10 following the birth, but missed Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons. Downing Street said he would take a “short period” of paternity leave later in the year.
It declined to say whether the baby was born prematurely and the spokesman was unable to provide details of the weight, timing, nature or location of the birth. The baby’s name is not yet known.
The birth was announced shortly before 10am yesterday by a spokeswoman for the couple.
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She said: “The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning. Both mother and baby are doing very well. The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team.”
The news comes just weeks after Johnson was discharged from intensive care after becoming ill with coronavirus. Symonds had also had symptoms of the disease.
She returned to Downing Street after joining Johnson as he convalesced at his country residence, Chequers, in Buckinghamshire.
Labour leader Keir Starmer said it was “wonderful news” as he congratulated the couple on Twitter.
Acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Many congratulations to the PM and Carrie Symonds on the birth of their son!”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said it was “great to hear Downing Street is getting a new resident”.Former prime minister David Cameron sent his “heartfelt congratulations” and said: “Sam and I are thrilled for you both! Sorry we didn’t leave the cot – but the climbing frame should still be in the garden!”
Foreign leaders, including Australian PM Scott Morrison and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe, also sent their wishes.
Johnson and Symonds announced in February that they were expecting a baby in “early summer” and that they had become engaged. The new arrival is the third baby born to a serving prime minister in recent history.
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