Splitting maternity and paternity leave into two parts would allow both parents to get to grips with all in one baby suits, swimming nappies and Cosytoes, if one celebrity mum's comments are anything to go by.

Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell's partner Fiona Millar has backed campaigns for dividing leave from work between mum and dads.

Commenting in an article for the Radio Times, she said this move may encourage more fathers to consider their flexible working options.

Ms Millar revealed Mr Campbell was rarely involved in helping out when their children were young due his high-pressure job, adding his aversion to housework went further downhill when the tots arrived.

She remarked: "My inability to give up control of the domestic sphere, combined with my partner Alastair's unwillingness to take responsibility for it, had fatally undermined my attempts to stay on the conventional career ladder."

Last month, charity Families Need Fathers said having a dad around to help with baby changing bags and all in one suits is the best way to raise a youngster.

Posted by Michael StevensonADNFCR-3005-ID-19650114-ADNFCR