Lib Dem leader heads home with new baby
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy will spend Tuesday evening at home with his wife Sarah and their newborn son, after they left hospital this afternoon.
Donald James Kennedy weighed six pounds and nine ounces when he arrived at 0014 BST at St Thomas’ hospital in London.
The trio appeared outside the hospital this afternoon, speaking of their delight that Mrs Kennedy and the new baby were doing fine.
The Lib Dems postponed the launch of their manifesto yesterday after Mrs Kennedy, 35, went into hospital and her husband left the campaign trail to be with her.
“It is wonderful for us both and we are extremely grateful for the superb clinical and midwifery support which we have received,” a statement from the couple read.
“Everything went very smoothly and we are looking forward to returning home as a family in due course.”
Deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell has taken over Mr Kennedy’s duties for the meantime but the Lib Dem leader is likely to be back within a couple of days.
Speaking this afternoon, a beaming Mr Kennedy told the amassed media: “I’m looking forward to rejoining the campaign with a song in my heart and a spring in my step.”
Earlier, Sir Menzies emphasised that his party were prepared for Mr Kennedy’s absence and that it would not affect campaigning.
“This is a contingency we had allowed for in our planning for the general election and I think we have simply taken that particular file out of the drawer,” Sir Menzies told BBC News.
He added: “It does not mean Charles is out of the election altogether.
“He will obviously continue to take a part, give advice and participate in those parts of the election campaign and its planning that do not require him to leave the bedside of his wife.”
