BBC political editor Nick Robinson is to have an operation to remove a lung tumour.

The 51-year-old journalist, who has led its Westminster coverage since 2005, has a bronchial carcinoid tumour on his lung.

Mr Robinson's agent said the presenter, who is married with three children, would be “taking a short time off work over the next few weeks”.

“His doctors are aiming to get him back at work in plenty of time to cover the election campaign proper,” she added.

“He and his family have asked that they now have the space and privacy he needs in order to rest and recover fully before returning to work.”

In a Twitter message on Saturday afternoon, Robinson said: "Thank you for the many kind and generous messages. Here's hoping to be back reporting the news soon."