New mum Sarah leaves hospital

Mr Brown paid tribute to staff at the hospital

The chancellor's wife has left hospital six days after the birth of the couple's first child.

Gordon and Sarah Brown paused outside the hospital and the chancellor made a brief statement in which he said that baby Jennifer was doing well and praised health service staff.

Jennifer Jane was born seven weeks premature and Mr Brown said she would remain in hospital for several more weeks.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tony Blair spoke today of Mr Brown's "tremendous joy" at the birth of Jennifer - but appeared to suggest he had not even spoken yet to the proud father.

The next big day we are waiting for is when Jennifer can go home with us, perhaps in five or six weeks

Gordon Brown

Mr Blair told reporters travelling with him to Dhaka, Bangladesh: "I think, and I know, it's a tremendous joy to him and we have sent our warmest congratulations to him."

Asked if he had been in contact with Mr Brown, the Prime Minister replied: "I have sent various messages. I have had various messages back."

As he left the Forth Park Maternity Hospital, in Kirkcaldy, Fife, the chancellor said the couple's baby was making good progress.

He paid tribute to the hospital, saying it was the "NHS at its best".

Mrs Brown, who was carrying a bouquet of red roses and was wearing a lilac scarf and a long dark overcoat, smiled as her husband spoke of their "beautiful" baby.

The chancellor's wife did not speak to reporters and the couple held hands as they left the hospital by car just after 1215 GMT.

Baby Jennifer weighed 2lb 4oz when she was born by Caesarean section on 28 December.

The operation was carried out after concerns arose during a routine scan.

Mr Brown, who wearing an open neck shirt, brown jumper, jacket and dark trousers, said the couple were "delighted" that Sarah was returning home.

He said they expected Jennifer to leave hospital in five to six weeks.

Jennifer was born six days ago

Mr Brown said: "Sarah and I are both delighted that Sarah is able to go home today.

"The next big day we are waiting for is when Jennifer can go home with us, perhaps in five or six weeks."

He said Jennifer was "making progress" and "getting stronger every day".

Mr Brown then thanked staff who had cared for Mrs Brown and Jennifer.

He said: "We know she (Jennifer) is in great hands.

'We are so grateful'

"She is being cared for wonderfully by the midwives, the doctors, the nurses and all the staff at this great hospital and we are eternally grateful to them for everything they have done for Jennifer and for Sarah.

"We were with Jennifer for quite a lot of time this morning and she is as beautiful as she was on the first day I saw her."

The chancellor then thanked staff at the hospital.

"This is the National Health Service at its best and we are so grateful to them for what they have done," he said.

"The baby is doing a lot better and we are very grateful to everyone for taking such an interest and also the well-wishers who have sent flowers and cards from all over the country."