Blair baby 'doing fine'

The Blairs have asked the media to respect their privacy

The prime minister says the latest addition to the Blair household, his newborn son Leo, is doing "absolutely fine".

Mother Cherie and baby are said to be doing well after the family's first night together in Downing Street.

Leo Blair senior celebrates the birth

But it could be a few days before the world gets a glimpse of the first child born to a sitting British prime minister in 150 years, as Mr Blair and his wife have asked the media to respect their privacy.

Mr Blair has announced his intention to go into "holiday mode" for a few days after the birth, but has already indicated he will not be taking parental leave, saying: "You don't ever stop being Prime Minister."

An emotional Mr Blair appeared before waiting media at 10 Downing Street on Saturday, just 12 hours after the birth.

Thanking wellwishers for the flowers and cards which flooded in to Downing Street throughout Saturday, he said he was delighted at becoming a father for the fourth time.

Teddy Blair? Flowers and presents pour in

It was a natural birth with Leo - named after Mr Blair's own father - arriving at 0025 BST on Saturday, weighing 6lbs 12oz.

The prime minister paid tribute to medical staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for doing a fantastic job in helping his 45-year-old wife through the birth.

"It was an ordinary, natural birth, though it was quite a long labour so Cherie is quite tired now," he said.

It was a new experience for Mr Blair as well, as despite having three other children this was the first time he had witnessed the entire birth.

The other kids are thrilled - they've all been holding him and taking pictures

Tony Blair

"I missed my middle one because he came very early. My eldest there were problems with and my daughter was a Caesarean."

Dressed casually and clutching a coffee mug, Mr Blair told the media that he found the birth a deeply moving experience.

"I feel like any father who sees their baby being born. It's very moving really and if any of you have been through it you'll know it.

"It was quite a long labour, it went on for quite a few hours but it was quite a struggle in the end for Cherie and I think she is very relieved it's all over."

Royal congratulations

Throughout the day, streams of floral bouquets and messages were delivered to No 10 from around the world.

Among the first to offer congratulations was former Tory Prime Minister John Major, while the Queen and Prince Phillip sent their best wishes and a bunch of flowers and Hillary Clinton called Mrs Blair from the US.

Tony Booth: Proud grandfather

Leo's proud grandfathers were among the first to hear the news.

Leo Blair senior said "It's great, it's really great. It's very exciting."

Actor Tony Booth, Mrs Blair's father, said he was "absolutely thrilled and delighted" with his new grandson.

Tory leader William Hague and his wife Ffion sent flowers. Mr Hague said: "This is a wonderful day for them, and a happy day for the country as a whole."

Short hospital stay

Cherie Blair had been admitted to hospital at lunchtime on Friday, five days before her official due date of 24 May.

The whole family are delighted

The prime minister joined his wife at the hospital at 2050 BST and stayed with her for six hours before they returned to Downing Street with their new son.

The couple already have two sons, Euan, 16, and Nicky, 14, and a daughter, Kathryn, 12.

Mr Blair added: "The other kids are thrilled. They've all been holding him and taking pictures with him and everything. It's just very nice."

Members of the public were also keen to catch a glimpse of Downing Street's new arrival, but the Blair entourage arrived home with blankets obscuring the windows of their car, to keep the moment a strictly private, family affair.