George Galloway becomes father for fifth time, aged 62

Orlá Dhien Galloway born on Saturday morning

Baby Orlá is welcomed into the world by Mr Galloway and his wife Putri (@georgegalloway)

Former Labour and Respect MP George Galloway has announced the birth of his fifth child, at the age of 62.

Orlá Dhien Galloway was born on Saturday morning at St Mary’s hospital in central Manchester to Mr Galloway and his third wife, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi.

Ms Pertiwi is a Dutch-born anthropologist, and co-presents a current affairs programme on Russia Today with her husband.

The politician told The Independent that the labour had been quick and without complications, as Ms Petriwi had attended “hypno-birthing” classes – which aim to reduce the pain of labour through self-hypnosis – during her pregnancy.

Mr Galloway said: “We had a fantastic experience at St Mary’s – it makes you really thankful for our NHS. My wife is looking like a million dollars again already, she’s remarkable.

“I’m not sure how much time I’ll have off, as I’m electioneering at the moment, but I’m spending all of today with Orlá, at least.”

The former Labour MP is currently contesting the Manchester Gorton by-election. The seat is up for re-election after the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman, a veteran MP who had served the constituency for over 30 years.

Mr Galloway, who has represented constituencies in London, Bradford and Glasgow during a long and controversial political career, is looking to return to the Commons after losing his Bradford West seat at the 2015 general election.

Having campaigned for a Leave vote in the referendum, the politician announced his candidacy via Westmonster, a news site recently launched by Leave.EU founder Arron Banks.

He recently described the all-Asian shortlist compiled by the Labour Party for the Gorton seat as “the latest in a long line of insults delivered by mainstream parties to local communities”.

The Labour Party described Mr Galloway’s decision to stand as “entirely self-serving”.

Jonathan Bartley, the leader of the Green Party, whose candidate took second place in Manchester Gorton in 2015, said: “George Galloway is a burnt-out Brexiteer who offers nothing but an overinflated ego to the people of Manchester Gorton.”

The by-election will be held on 4 May, the same day as the Greater Manchester Mayoral election.