Cherie Blair's mother, who lives in Oxford, has spoken of her joy that her daughter is pregnant again.

Gale Booth, of Marlborough Road, told the Oxford Mail that she was thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandma once more.

Mrs Booth said: "I am delighted with the news. I'm looking forward to being a grandmother again.

"I know that Cherie and all the family are delighted."

Tony and Cherie Blair yesterday confirmed that they are expecting their fourth child in May.

Mrs Blair, 45, will be the first Prime Minister's wife this century to give birth while her husband is in office. One of the first visitors to call on Mrs Booth to pass on best wishes was the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Val Smith.

Mrs Smith, whose husband Andrew is a member of Tony Blair's cabinet, has been a friend of the Prime Minister's mother-in-law over many years.

The two women celebrated the good news over a cup of tea at Mrs Booth's terraced house in south Oxford.

Afterwards Mrs Smith said: "Like everyone else in the Labour Party I think this is great news.

"Gale is so pleased."

Mrs Booth is the former wife of the Till Death Us Do Part actor, Tony Booth, Cherie's father, who now lives in Greater Manchester. He is currently starring in Prizenight at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre.

Story date: Saturday 20 November

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