MP set to become first to have child through surrogacy

LIZ KENDALL, the Labour Party’s shadow social care minister, is set to become the first sitting MP to have a child through surrogacy.

The MP for Leicester West, who once stood for the leadership of her party, announced yesterday that she was expecting a baby through a surrogate with her partner. She told a newspaper: “My partner and I are delighted to announce that we will be having a baby in the new year through surrogacy.

“It has been a really difficult time getting here, so we feel unbelievably lucky and happier than we ever imagined.”

She said that she was “eternally grateful to the surrogate for making this possible”. Baroness King, the former

Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, had a baby through a surrogate while sitting in the House of Lords in 2013.

Politicians from across the political divide offered their congratulations.

Matt Hancock, the former health secretary, said it was “fantastic news”.

Labour MP Yvette Cooper said it was “wonderful news”, while Baroness Davidson wrote on Twitter: “That’s lovely news, Liz. Warmest congratulations. You’ll make such a brilliant mum.”

Ms Kendall confirmed she would be stepping back from the Labour front bench next year. She said: “I’ll be taking leave from work to make the most of this precious time with the newest member of our family. But I want to reassure my constituents that my office will remain fully open throughout.”