An MP who attended a school in Watford will step back from her parliamentary duties temporarily as she is to become a mother.

Leicester West MP Liz Kendall, who attended Watford Grammar School for Girls, has announced that she will be having a baby through surrogacy in the new year.

The MP, who serves as the shadow minister for social care, said she and her partner felt "unbelievably lucky" and they were "happier than we ever imagined”.

She told the Leicester Mercury: "My partner and I are delighted to announce that we will be having a baby in the new year through surrogacy.

“We will be eternally grateful to our surrogate for making this possible."

Ms Kendall has served as the MP for Leicester West since May 2010.

Despite temporarily taking a step back from parliamentary duties next year as a result of her baby, Ms Kendall said her office would still be open for her constituents.

She said: “I want to reassure my constituents that my office will remain fully open throughout, and my whole team will continue to provide the very best help and support to local residents."