THE demands of fatherhood have forced the Liberal Democrat leader to cancel a visit to Malvern this morning.

Charles Kennedy was yesterday spending time with his wife Sarah and their son Donald James, who she gave birth to early on Tuesday.

He was due to travel to Malvern this morning to visit some of the town's hi-tech businesses , but deputy Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell will now call in instead.

Mr Kennedy was instead launching the party's manifesto in London, where he confirmed plans to replace council tax with a new 50p top rate of income tax.

Sir Menzies is expected to be in the town for about an hour, where he will meet the party's parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire, CounTom Wells.

Coun Wells, also Malvern Hills District Council leader, is battling against West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer for the regional seat and will also be up against hopefuls from other parties.

The West Worcestershire seat is one of 25 the party has in its sights.

"We were hoping to give Charles a congratulatory card to him and Sarah and young Donald but I'm sure Menzies will pass it on," said Coun Wells.

"Menzies is an elder statesman of the party who has won respect from all sides of the political divide for his statesmanship and intellect."

Election candidates: Page 8