Ruth Davidson announces she is expecting first child with partner Jen Wilson

Scottish Conservative leader says she is ‘simply doing what thousands of working women do every year’

Davidson (right) and her partner found out in March that an IVF procedure had been successful (Ruth Davidson/Twitter)

Ruth Davidson says she is “excited and daunted” after announcing she is expecting her first child with her partner Jen Wilson.

The Scottish Conservative leader, who had made no secret of her desire to be a mother, found out in March that an IVF procedure had been successful.

“Jen and I are delighted to be able to say that we are starting a family. We weren’t sure that it was going to happen for us, but we’re really, really happy that it has,” Ms Davidson said.

She said she had been affected by some morning sickness and fatigue during the early stages of her pregnancy, but it would be “business as usual” until she goes on maternity leave.

“We have a very busy few months ahead, and I look forward to throwing myself into events with customary gusto,” Ms Davidson added.

“While it often goes unacknowledged, politicians have personal lives too, and I hope people will understand that I want to be able to combine my public role with a family life.”

Ms Davidson is probably Britain’s most prominent LGBT+ politician, with an appeal across the Tory party that has sparked speculation that she could become the first LGBT+ prime minister.

Insisting that she is “simply doing what thousands of working women do every year”, she said there was no doubt in her commitment to leading her party.

“While this news may be unexpected for many people, let me reassure my constituents and voters across Scotland that there is no change to my political commitment or plans to lead the Scottish Conservatives into the 2021 Holyrood elections,” she said.

The couple, who have been together for more than three years, live in Edinburgh and plan to marry.

“We have always dreamed of starting a family and are pleased to be able to share our happy news,” Ms Davidson added.