Ruth Davidson gives birth to baby boy
Finn Paul Davidson was born on October 26. (Ruth Davidson/Twitter)
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has given birth.
Davidson, the first out lesbian to lead the Conservative Party in Scotland, announced that she and partner Jen Wilson have welcomed a baby boy on Friday (October 26).
The politician announced the birth of son Finn Paul Davidson in a post on social media.
“Welcome to the world, little one. Finn Paul Davidson, born today, 10lb 1.5oz. Know that you are loved. X” she wrote on Twitter.
In a statement, she added: “Jen and I are delighted at baby Finn’s safe arrival.
“A huge thank you to the medical team at the ERI and the midwives at Leith Community Treatment Centre for looking after all three of us so well throughout the pregnancy and birth.
“I can’t wait to get this little one home to enjoy some family time together.”
Wilson said: “It was wonderful to welcome baby Finn into the world this morning. He is beautiful and already very loved.
“Ruth did brilliantly and Finn clearly has his mother’s lungs on him!”
Davidson previously explained that she had undergone IVF treatment to conceive the child.
Ruth Davidson (Ashley Coombes)
The Tory leader will be temporarily stepping away from politics to take maternity leave after the birth, with the party’s deputy Jackson Carlaw acting as her maternity cover.
There have been a flood of congratulations to Davidson after the announcement.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May wrote: “The Prime Minister Many congratulations to you, Jen and Finn! Wishing you all every happiness for the future.”
Home Secretary Sajid Javid also sent warm wishes.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote: “Many congratulations to you both. I wish wee Finn a lifetime of happiness.”
Luke Graham MP wrote: “Congratulations to you both ! Fantastic news! Hi Finn ”
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street tweeted: “Congratulations all!”
Even Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster, whose party has opposed LGBT+ rights, wrote: “New life is wonderful. We can all remember our first cuddle. Many congratulations.”
UK Prime Minister Theresa May had gifted Davidson toys and baby clothes marked by the Number 10 marking her London’s Downing Street residence in the run-up to the birth, during the Conservative Party Conference in September.
#CPC18 begins with a cup of tea with @RuthDavidsonMSP. pic.twitter.com/Bu1wTDuYKq
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) September 29, 2018
Davidson’s leadership has marked a transformative period for the Conservative Party, which has historically opposed LGBT+ rights and same-sex parenting.
She was named on the TIME 100 list in April this year, marking her as a rising star in politics. Davidson however said that she has no intention of ever running for the Tory leadership because she cares too much about protecting her mental health in an interview to The Sunday Times last month.
