Delight for the Chancellor and his wife as a baby Brown is born

Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and his wife, Sarah, wept tears of joy yesterday after she gave birth to a boy. It is 21 months since the couple's daughter Jennifer died aged just 10 days.

The doctor who delivered the Browns' baby, Dr Rhona Hughes, said: "Mother and baby are both doing very well. Sarah and Gordon are absolutely delighted. It was a very emotional moment and they both wept tears of joy."

Doctors at the New Royal Infirmary, in Edinburgh, said Mrs Brown, 38, and her son, who weighed 8lbs 1oz, were "doing fine" after the birth at 9.28am. The couple have yet to decide on a name.

Mr and Mrs Brown, who married in 2000, suffered tragedy after their first child, Jennifer, was born seven weeks prematurely, weighing 2lb 4oz. She died in her parents' arms in January last year.

Tony Blair led a chorus of congratulations from across the political spectrum. He said: "Cherie and I are absolutely delighted. I have passed our best wishes to Gordon and Sarah. We are delighted that mother and baby are doing so well."

Mr Brown, 52, is expected to take at least two weeks' paternity leave from the Treasury. A spokesman said: "Sarah and Gordon have not yet decided on a name. They and their families are delighted."

The Conservative leader, Iain Duncan Smith, and his wife, Betsy, said: "We are overjoyed at the news that Gordon and Sarah have had a baby boy. Children are an immense blessing and we are sure their new son will bring great fulfilment to their lives." Among the Browns' visitors was the Harry Potter author, J K Rowling, who arrived at the hospital carrying a bouquet of flowers last night.