Gordon Brown becomes father again

The Browns are parents for the third time

Chancellor Gordon Brown has become a father for a third time with his wife Sarah giving birth to a baby boy.

The boy, who weighs 8lb, was born at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Doctors say mother and baby are doing well and Mr Brown is "absolutely delighted".

The couple's first child, Jennifer Jane, who Mr Brown has said was an "inspiration", died aged 10 days after being born prematurely in 2002.

Their second child, John, will turn three in October this year.

Mr Brown, 55, is the hot favourite to succeed Tony Blair as prime minister. Earlier this year he said he was a "father first of all".

Name ideas

The new addition to the Brown family was born at 0900 BST and has yet to be named.

Rhona Hughes, lead obstetrician at the hospital, said the birth had been very straightforward, with no complications.

"John has just been in to see his new little brother for the first time and he seems to have had some ideas for his name," she said.

"We expect the family to leave the hospital towards the end of the week."

The chancellor's brother said the family were delighted to hear about the birth.

John Brown, 57, from Glasgow, said: "The key thing was that the baby arrived safely, given what they have been through over the years.

"And it's good that they now have a little brother for John."

Well wishers

Prime Minister Tony Blair sent his congratulations to the couple when he spoke to reporters at the G8 Summit in St Petersburg.

Mr Blair said he was "delighted" for the whole family.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell also sent his congratulations.

"This is great news for Sarah and Gordon," he said.

Conservative leader David Cameron said: "I am delighted for Gordon and Sarah and send many congratulations and best wishes."

Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell and his wife said: "Bridget and I are delighted to hear this great news. We would like to congratulate Gordon and Sarah at this very happy time for them."