Major becomes a grandad

James Major and Emma Noble have not yet decided on a name for the baby

Former Prime Minister John Major is celebrating becoming a grandfather after his daughter-in-law Emma Noble gave birth to a healthy boy.

Miss Noble, 29, was in labour for nearly 12 hours at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup, Kent, where she herself was born.

John Major visits his new grandson

Consultant obstetrician Leila Hanna said it was a normal delivery and the baby weighed exactly 4kg, or 8lb 13oz.

She said: "The couple have not yet decided on the name and Emma will be kept here overnight. When she leaves depends on how she feels in the next few days."

John Major, who spent an hour with his first grandchild, said: "It feels absolutely wonderful.

"He is just absolutely perfect, he is a lovely looking baby and a big baby.

"James and Emma are absolutely beside themselves with pleasure. I am just so thrilled that he is here and he is safe and absolutely lovely."

Mr Major arrived without Dame Norma who is expected to visit on Saturday.

Emma's parents are "overjoyed"

Miss Noble's mother Joan, from Sidcup, said she was "overjoyed" as she left hospital.

"It is a beautiful baby and just absolutely wonderful."

Conservative Party leader William Hague said: "Ffion and I send our warmest congratulations to John and Norma on becoming grandparents for the first time."

Miss Noble, who co-hosted Bruce Forsyth's Price is Right and starred in the Ben Elton play Popcorn, married James Major in May last year in the crypt chapel of the Houses of Parliament.

The 25-year-old former prime minister's son and night-club promoter was himself taken to hospital in July last year and had a heart pacemaker fitted.