Ruth Davidson and partner expecting baby

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has announced she is expecting a baby with her partner Jen Wilson.

Her deputy Jackson Carlaw will take over as leader for a few months while Davidson takes maternity leave, she said.

In a statement, Davidson said: “Jen and I are delighted to announce that I am expecting our first child in the late autumn."

“Like all new parents-to-be, we are excited – and daunted – about the months to come. Mostly, we are just overjoyed at the prospect of starting a family together.

“While this news may be unexpected for many people, let me reassure my constituents and voters across Scotland that there is no change to my political commitment or plans to lead the Scottish Conservatives into the 2021 Holyrood elections - I’m simply doing what thousands of working women do every year: having a child, taking some time off, and then returning to work soon after.

She added: “I also know myself, so it’s highly likely I won’t be able to stay off the phone, demanding regular updates, during this time.

“In the meantime, it is business as usual. We have a very busy few months ahead, and I look forward to throwing myself into events with customary gusto.

“While it often goes unacknowledged, politicians have personal lives too, and I hope people will understand that I want to be able to combine my public role with a family life.

“Jen and I are incredibly lucky in the support we have received from our family and friends over the past few months – and know we can rely on them in the months and years to come. I’d like to thank them all again today.

“We have always dreamed of starting a family and are so pleased to be able to share our happy news.”