John Howard in hospital: Former Prime Minister had appendicitis surgery

Former Australian prime minister John Howard is recovering in a Sydney hospital after undergoing emergency surgery today.

Former Australian prime minister John Howard is recovering in hospital after having emergency surgery on Monday afternoon, 2GB’s Ben Fordham has reported.

Mr Howard, 81, reportedly had a “sudden attack of appendicitis” and was taken to Sydney’s Royal North Shore private hospital in an ambulance after going to visit his GP.

He had surgery and is “recovering well”.

Update on John Howard. pic.twitter.com/B18eF9U45e

— Ben Fordham (@BenFordham) August 24, 2020

Reports Mr Howard had been hospitalised began circulating earlier Monday.

Sky News political editor Andrew Clennell reported he had talked to Mr Howard and there was no cause for alarm, with the former leader saying he’s “fine”.

Mr Howard, who was prime minister from 1996-2007, is Australia’s oldest living former prime minister, and the second-longest serving leader after Sir Robert Menzies.

Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard has been taken to hospital. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images