‘Wonderful news’: Labour leader Keir Starmer leads political figures with congratulations for Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds after the birth of their son
- The as-yet unnamed boy was born in a London hospital this morning
- He is Ms Symonds’ first child, while Mr Johnson is known to have fathered five
- After the news broke this morning, Sir Keir tweeted: ‘Wonderful news’
- Matt Hancock added: ‘Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy!’
Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds were showered in congratulations from across the political spectrum today after the birth of their son.
The as-yet unnamed boy was born in a London hospital this morning, just days after the Prime Minister, 55, and his wife-to-be, 32, had returned to Downing Street from his Chequers recuperation from coronavirus.
The baby is Ms Symonds’ first child, while Mr Johnson is known to have fathered five.
Sir Keir had been expecting to face Mr Johnson at Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon, but since yesterday Downing Street has been unwilling to confirm the PM would take part – now revealed as because Ms Symonds was in labour.
After the news broke this morning, Sir Keir tweeted: ‘Wonderful news. Many congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds.’
The as-yet unnamed boy was born in a London hospital this morning, just days after the Prime Minister, 55, and his wife-to-be, 32, had returned to Downing Street from his Chequers recuperation from coronavirus
Congratulations poured in from across the political spectrum after this morning’s announcement
Mr Johnson’s Tory colleagues were also quick to join in, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeting: ‘So thrilled for Boris and Carrie. Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy!’
The couple announced in March that they were expecting a baby in ‘early summer’, and that they had become engaged at the end of last year.
The news of the birth comes just weeks after the PM was discharged from intensive care where he had been battling coronavirus.
Ms Symonds also suffered symptoms of the disease.
Mr Johnson has previously suggested he intends to take paternity leave, although it is not known if this remains the case given the coronavirus crisis.
The new arrival is the third baby born to a serving prime minister in recent history.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: ‘Such happy news amid so much uncertainty – 2020 is certainly a year they will never forget’
Tony Blair’s wife Cherie gave birth to son Leo in May 2000, three years after her husband’s first election victory, and David Cameron and wife Samantha welcomed daughter Florence in 2010.
The last babies born to prime ministers before Leo and Florence arrived more than 150 years ago.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: ‘On behalf of everyone in the House of Commons, may I say congratulations to the Prime Minister and Carrie Symonds on the birth of their son.
‘Such happy news amid so much uncertainty – 2020 is certainly a year they will never forget.’
Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: ‘Great to hear Downing Street is getting a new resident.
‘Congratulations to @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds on the birth of their son.’
Sir Ed Davey, the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, tweeted: ‘Many congratulations to the PM & Carrie Symonds on the birth of their son!’
From further afield there were congratulations from Australian prime minister Scott Morrison, who tweeted: ‘Congratulations @BorisJohnson and Carrie on the birth of your baby boy.
;Nothing better than being a dad, an absolute blessing and even more so after the tough time you’ve had recently.’
And Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe tweeted: ‘My dear friend, @BorisJohnson, warmest congratulations on the birth of a sweet baby boy!’