Ed Miliband announces birth of second child

Labour leader Ed Miliband and his partner today announced the birth of their second child.

The boy arrived late last night, weighing 8lb 3oz, according to a party spokesman.

Both mother Justine Thornton and baby are said to be doing well after the birth at University College Hospital in London.

The spokesman said: "Ed and Justine are overjoyed at the birth of their second child and can't wait to introduce the new arrival to his big brother, Daniel.

"Both are keen to pass on their thanks to the NHS staff at the hospital."

Mr Miliband will take now take two weeks of paternity leave from Parliament, with his duties being covered by Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman.

Mr Miliband's spokesman said he was at the hospital, near the couple's home in north London, when the baby arrived. The boy has yet to be given a name.

The 40-year-old Labour leader is expected to ensure he is named on this child's birth certificate, after admitting he was "embarrassed" to have forgotten to register on 18-month-old Daniel's records.

Mr Miliband has said he and barrister Ms Thornton, also 40, will "get around to" marrying "at some point".