UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and partner Carrie Symonds welcome baby boy weeks after coronavirus fight

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a baby boy.

The pair welcomed a "healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning", they said in a statement.

Mother and baby are said to be doing well.

"The prime minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning. Both mother and baby are doing very well," a spokesperson for the couple said.

"The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team."

Mr Johnson, 55, and Ms Symonds, 32, announced in March they were expecting a baby in "early summer", and that they had become engaged at the end of last year.

The birth comes on Mr Johnson's second day back at work after weeks in hospital battling coronavirus.

Ms Symonds also suffered symptoms of the disease.

Mr Johnson has previously suggested he intends to take paternity leave, although it is not known if this remains the case given the coronavirus crisis.

He will not appear on Wednesday afternoon at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: "So thrilled for Boris and Carrie. Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy!"

Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: "Great to hear Downing Street is getting a new resident. Congratulations to @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds on the birth of their son."

Former chancellor Sajid Javid also took to Twitter: "Congratulations @carriesymonds @BorisJohnson. Such wonderful uplifting news!"

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "Wonderful news. Many congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds."

Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith tweeted: "Congratulations @BorisJohnson & @carriesymonds such wonderful news! Baby boy!"

— Reported with AAP