CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown and his girlfriend Sarah Macaulay are to marry today in his Dunfermline East constituency.

In a statement issued last night by his advisor, Mr Brown said the couple were "absolutely delighted".

The statement read: "Sarah Macaulay and Gordon Brown are to be married tomorrow. The ceremony will be held in Mr Brown's constituency.

"It will be conducted by the local Church of Scotland minister. The religious service and reception will be a small family event."

It continued: "Gordon and Sarah will hold a party for friends and colleagues when they return in September."

The couple met in early 1994.

But despite widespread speculation about their relationship, there was no hint that wedding plans were being drawn up before last night's surprise announcement.

After the reception, the pair will leave for their honeymoon - but there was no hint of the destination.

It emerged that Mr Brown had proposed to Miss Macaulay in January and the couple had fixed a date for the wedding shortly afterwards.

Despite speculation about when the Chancellor would tie the knot, the pair had managed to keep the date private.

However, it emerged last night that the announcement of the wedding had been displayed in the normal way in the parish where the ceremony will take place.

Mr Brown met Miss Macaulay, who is a partner in a communications consultancy, in 1994 and they began their relationship in 1996.

A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Tony Blair said last night that the premier and his wife would not be attending Mr Brown's wedding.

But she added: "The Prime Minister and Mrs Blair are very happy for the Chancellor and Sarah Macaulay.