Kennedy ducks out of campaign after birth of son

Charles and Sarah Kennedy left hospital yesterday with their newborn son, Donald James, and declared he was their "pride and joy."

Charles and Sarah Kennedy left hospital yesterday with their newborn son, Donald James, and declared he was their "pride and joy."

The beaming Liberal Democrats leader said he was "exceptionally happy" about the arrival of his first child, and that it was "a wonderful feeling" to be leaving the hospital "as a family".

Sleeping soundly in a white wool blanket, the 6lb 9oz baby, who was born at 12.14am, was shown to photographers outside St Thomas's hospital opposite the House of Commons.

"Everything went tremendously smoothly and we are very grateful for that, and we are exceptionally happy with the new Donald James Kennedy that becomes the latest addition to the clan," said Mr Kennedy. They returned to their London home where Mr Kennedy will stay with his wifebefore hitting the campaign trail at the end of the week and launching his party's manifesto.

"After we have a bit of a private break, towards the end of the week I will be looking forward to rejoining the campaign. And I'll be rejoining with both a song in my heart and a spring in my step," Mr Kennedy said.

Yesterday's planned manifesto launch was abruptly pulled after Mrs Kennedy went into labour earlier than expected.

Holding her son and flanked by midwives, Mrs Kennedy, 35, said she was feeling "fantastic" and described the birth as a "good experience". She has taken maternity leave from Camelot, the lottery operator, and will return part time,