11/04/2005

Lib Dem leader's wife taken to hospital

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has been forced to change his election campaign plans, after his pregnant wife was taken to hospital.

Sarah Kennedy, who is due to give birth later this month, was taken to hospital today. A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said that Mrs Kennedy was fine and confirmed that Mr Kennedy was heading back to London to be with her.

The Liberal Democrat leader had been due to fly to Devon from Farnborough airport in Hampshire as part of the party's general election campaign tour.

Mrs Kennedy's admission to hospital has led to the postponement of the Liberal Democrat's manifesto launch, which was due to be held tomorrow. It is understood that the launch will now take place later in the week.

Mr Kennedy had reportedly indicated that he would take some paternity leave if the couple's child was born during the general election campaign.

It is believed that the party has plans in place to enable them to continue the election campaign without Mr Kennedy, if necessary. According to reports, Sir Menzies Campbell or party president Simon Hughes would take over campaign duties from the leader.

(KmcA)

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