Ed Miliband and his partner, Justine Thornton, announce the arrival of their second child, who was born late last night

This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

Ed Miliband, said today that he and his partner, Justine Thornton, were "over the moon" after the birth of their second child, a boy, who was born late last night at a central London hospital weighing 8lbs 3 ounces.

The Labour leader said the new addition to the family was "gorgeous". "He looks a bit like me," said a beaming Miliband on the steps of the University College Hospital earlier today, near the couple's home in north London.

Miliband, who became Labour leader less than two months ago, will take paternity leave from parliament and plans to return in two weeks' time.

Miliband thanked all the NHS staff who he said had been "absolutely fantastic".

He said of his new son: "He is really gorgeous. He looks a bit like me. We are absolutely delighted."

The Labour leader said he had a name in mind for his new son, but it was "still being signed off" and would be announced in the coming days.

Miliband confirmed he would be taking his two weeks' paternity leave and would be introducing the newborn to his brother Daniel, who is 17 months older.

Miliband, himself a younger brother, said Daniel would not quite know "what is about to hit him", he said. "I think he has a vague sense that something is up," he told journalists.

The Labour leader thanked first and foremost his partner Justine. "I had the easy part, she had the difficult part," he joked.

Miliband said in a recent interview with the Daily Mirror that he would be going to the register office "straight away this time" to sign his new son's birth certificate.

Miliband attracted criticism after it emerged that an oversight meant his name was not on the birth certificate of his firstborn.

Miliband insisted that the omission had been due to the fact that his partner Justine went to the register office without him and it was only when she returned he realised he had to be present to put his name on the right form.

The 40-year-old has said he and Thornton, also 40, will "get around to" marrying "at some point".

Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister, sent his congratulations to the couple.

Clegg, himself a father of three young children, said: Miriam and I are thrilled for them. It's been a hectic few months for them, so I hope they are given the time and space to fully enjoy their new arrival."