It’s a boy: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s partner Carrie Symonds gives birth
- Johnson is believed to have at least five children, including four with his second wife, Marina Wheeler, from whom he split in 2018
- He only returned to work Monday after suffering from a bout of coronavirus. He spent a week in a London hospital, including three nights in intensive care
The news came as a surprise, as Symonds, 32, was not thought to be due for several weeks, but she was said to be doing “very well”.
“The prime minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning,” the spokesman said. “Both mother and baby are doing very well.
“The prime minister and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS [state-run National Health Service] maternity team.”
The announcement explains why Downing Street officials were reluctant to confirm that Johnson would appear at his weekly question and answer session with members of parliament.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who deputised for him during his illness, is expected to take his place later on Wednesday.