UK's Boris Johnson and wife Carrie announce daughter's birth

The couple thank the NHS after new arrival was born in a London hospital

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson announced the birth of their second child together. AP

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Johnson on Thursday announced the birth of their second child, a girl.

A spokeswoman for the couple said: “The prime minister and Mrs Johnson are delighted to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl at a London hospital earlier today.

“Both mother and daughter are doing very well. The couple would like to thank the brilliant NHS maternity team for all their care and support.”

The prime minister was present throughout the birth, reports say.

The spokesman said Mr Johnson would be spending more time with his family following the birth of his new baby — but he stopped short of saying he would be taking paternity leave.

The prime minister had a “unique role” and that he had to balance his family role with leading the country.

Mr Johnson, 56, and Ms Symonds, 33, an environmental campaigner, announced their engagement in February 2020 and also have a son together, Wilfred. They were married at Westminster Cathedral in May this year.

The news comes as the prime minister battles negative newspaper headlines over alleged breaking of lockdown rules at a Christmas party last year. The fallout forced the resignation of senior government aide Allegra Stratton.

Also on Thursday, the Conservative Party was fined £17,800 ($23,500) over a controversial donation which went towards the lavish refurbishment of the couple’s Downing Street flat.

Separately, Mr Johnson announced on Wednesday that England would be entering “Plan B” restrictions to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.