Sleepy Blair says Leo's fine

A wellwisher talks to Tony Blair outside church

The prime minister sought peace and quiet in church on Sunday morning, after baby Leo's first full night at home proved less than restful.

Mr Blair says his new son is doing "absolutely fine", but he hinted at a sleepless night when he spoke to worshippers after the service at Westminster Cathedral in London.

Tony Blair leaves Westminster Cathedral

Looking tired, Mr Blair was asked whether the new addition to his family had given them a quiet night.

Smiling, he replied: "No, it definitely wasn't a quiet night."

Mr Blair, accompanied by his three elder children, Euan, 16, and Nicky, 14, and Kathryn, 12, seemed to go unnoticed as other members of the congregation went up to take Holy Communion.

It definitely wasn't a quiet night

Tony Blair

Afterwards, he delighted crowds by shaking hands and chatting on the cathedral's steps before being driven back to Downing Street.

Asked about his new son, he said: "He's absolutely fine. I'm feeling a little tired."

In a statement released though Downing Street, Cherie Blair said she was also "tired but full of joy" after Leo's birth.

"It is so long since we had our other three children that I had forgotten quite what an ordeal those last few hours of labour can be. The midwives were fantastic at helping us through.

I am very tired but full of joy

Cherie Blair

"Tony and the children are a real help and all of us are really touched by the flowers, messages and presents not just from friends and colleagues but, perhaps above all, from people we have never met."

Leo Blair, named after the prime minister's father, arrived at London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital at 0025BST on Saturday, weighing in at 6lb 12oz.

But it will 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.

Royal congratulations

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."

Meanwhile streams of floral bouquets and messages are still being delivered to No 10 from around the world.

The whole family are delighted

Among the first to offer congratulations was Tory leader William Hague and his wife Ffion, while the Queen and Prince Phillip sent their best wishes and and Hillary Clinton called Mrs Blair from the US.

Leo's proud grandfathers are also celebrating the newest addition to the family.

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

Actor Tony Booth, Mrs Blair's father, is also "absolutely thrilled and delighted" with his new grandson.