British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s fiancee, Carrie Symonds, has given birth to a baby boy.
A statement released by the couple said they had a “healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning”.
A spokeswoman for the prime minister and his partner said both mother and baby were “doing very well” after the birth in a London hospital on Wednesday morning.
The spokeswoman 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 announcement came as speculation grew as to whether Johnson was going to take prime minister’s questions on Wednesday.
Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, will take the session going up against the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, at the dispatch box for a second week in a row.
Johnson returned to frontline work on Monday after suffering from coronavirus and spending time in intensive care.
No 10 would not comment on who would be taking the question session in the Commons on Tuesday night and earlier on Wednesday morning, leading to speculation they were leaving it until the final moment to make a decision.
However, the arrival of the baby is likely to be the reason No 10 was unable to provide any details on his appearance at PMQs.
Reacting to the news Starmer tweeted: “Wonderful news. Many congratulations
to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds.”
Health secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “So thrilled for Boris and Carrie.
Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy!”
