Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds news - live: PM to take paternity leave by June after fiancée gives birth to son
Couple welcome 'healthy baby boy'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson and his fiancée, Carrie Symonds, have announced the birth of their first child.
On Wednesday 29 April, a spokesperson for the couple 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.”
Follow our live blog for updates on the birth.
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
Which prime ministers before Boris Johnson have taken paternity leave while in office?
Boris Johnson is the fourth prime minister to have a child while in office in 170 years.
He followed David Cameron, whose daughter Florence was born in 2010; Tony Blair, whose son Leo was born in 2000; and Lord John Russell, whose sons George and Francis were born in 1848 and 1849 respectively.
It's not yet clear when Boris will take paternity leave, though it has been reported he will not be taking it right now because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
But which other prime ministers have taken paternity leave while in office? Click the below to find out
Is Boris Johnson entitled to paternity leave?
After the birth of his son with Carrie Symonds, here’s how much time off the PM is legally allowed.
Boris Johnson will take paternity leave by the end of June
Boris Johnson looks set to take up to two weeks of paternity leave by the end of June, after Downing Street said the new father intended to take time off “later in the year, rather than now”.
It is understood that Boris was present when Carrie gave birth this morning, despite some fathers being told to keep their distance from labour wards during the pandemic.
The location where Carrie gave birth has not yet been revealed, but it is known to be a hospital in London.
If it is the closes hospital to Downing Street, it would be St Thomas's Hospital, which is also where the Prime Minister was treated for Covid-19 a few weeks ago.
The Queen has sent a private message of good wishes to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds to congratulate them on the birth of their son, Buckingham Palace said.
What are the names of Boris's other children?
The PM had four children with his ex-wife Marina Wheeler. They are called Theodore, Cassia, Milo and Lara and were born between 1993 and 1999.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments