Cameron's new-born advantage

LONDON - For 150 years, British prime ministers were free to concentrate on the statesmanlike pursuit of high-powered diplomacy and the lofty responsibility of running the country, rather than the more mundane concerns of nappy changing and midnight feeds.

Yet David Cameron could be the second prime minister in a decade forced to cope with the sleepless nights brought about by the arrival of a new member of the family, after the announcement his wife, Samantha, is expecting their fourth child in September.

The couple were said to be "completely thrilled" that Samantha Cameron, 38, was three months' pregnant. The pregnancy had been planned long in advance, a spokeswoman said.

While rival leaders Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg sent their congratulations, Cameron's happy news will inevitably be seen as a smart electoral move as parties battle for the crucial family vote.

Tony Blair became the first sitting prime minister to become father to a newborn in a century and a half when his youngest son, Leo, was born in May 2000 - although the event had not been planned. Blair's wife, Cherie, was 45 when she gave birth.


The baby vote: How it could play

Andrew Hawkins, chairman of ComRes:

I would expect this pregnancy to go some way to making David Cameron more appealing. On the other hand, he already beats Gordon Brown in terms of softer questions and empathetic measures. So, it could turn out to be inconsequential.

Siobhan Freegard, founder of Netmums:

I think we all have to accept that we are influenced by the overall package. Perhaps women will have a slightly altered view of the Camerons because of the baby news. Even in the playground, people always swarm around pregnant mums - that bump is just difficult to resist.

John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University:

I'm not sure if this makes much difference - unless it affects Cameron's performance during the campaign.

- INDEPENDENT