Charles Kennedy has cancelled all his campaign appointments after his wife gave birth to a baby boy in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Donald James Kennedy was born at 12.14am at St Thomas's Hospital in London.

In a statement the happy couple said: "It is wonderful for us both and we are extremely grateful for the superb clinical and midwifery support which we have received.

"Everything went very smoothly and we are looking forward to returning home as a family in due course."

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Menzies Campbell will run the party's election campaign until Mr Kennedy returns to the political frontline.

The party said that its manifesto publication, due to take place on Tuesday, had been postponed as a result.

Congratulations

The prime minister sent his "warmest congratulations" to Mr and Mrs Kennedy.

"I just wish them well and we all wish them well. It is a particular joy when you have your first baby," said Tony Blair.

Michael Howard and wife Sandra also sent their congratulations.

"It is wonderful news. I send them my warmest congratulations," said Howard. "I remember very well our first baby.

"It was the most magical, wonderful moment and I can empathise very much with them. What a wonderful moment it is."

Mr Kennedy has been engaged in a hectic bout of electioneering but is now expected to be away from the campaign trail for several days.