Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan announces she's expecting a baby next year

14 December 2022, 13:16

Michelle Donelan has said she's 'excited and blessed' to be having a baby next year
Michelle Donelan has said she's 'excited and blessed' to be having a baby next year. Picture: Alamy

By Asher McShane

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan will become the second Cabinet minister to take maternity leave after she announced she is expecting a baby next year.

She said she will be taking a "short" break from her Governmental role but will still be "on hand throughout" to support her constituents in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

The law had to be changed to allow Suella Braverman to go on maternity leave last year, with Michael Ellis filing her role at the time of attorney general.

It was not immediately clear whether Ms Donelan will be covered in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) during her leave.

Ms Donelan tweeted: "My husband & I are very excited & blessed to be expecting a baby next year. I'll be taking a short maternity leave from DCMS.

"I'll reduce the number of constituency visits during this time but I shall still be on hand throughout to help local residents supported by my great team.