BREAKING NEWS: Former PM John Howard undergoes an emergency operation after being rushed to hospital with appendicitis
- Former statesman undergoes emergency surgery after suffering appendicitis
- Rushed to Sydney's Royal North Shore Private Hospital after GP visit on Monday
- Former PM John Howard is 'recovering well' and there are no health concerns
Former Prime Minister John Howard has undergone an emergency operation after suffering appendicitis in Sydney.
The 81-year-old was taken to Sydney's Royal North Shore Private Hospital earlier today and has now had surgery.
A spokesperson for Mr Howard's office has said he is 'recovering well' after the procedure.
Former Prime Minister John Howard was rushed to hospital for surgery on Monday after suffering appendicitis. A spokesperson has said he is 'recovering well'
Sydney's Royal North Shore Private Hospital where the former Prime Minister is recovering
Former prime minister John Howard pictured with wife Jeannette in 2019
The spokesperson told Nine News there was no immediate concern for his health.
The former statesman was taken in an ambulance after visiting his GP in Sydney on Monday.
Mr Howard was prime minister from 1996 to 2007, which is the second longest term as national leader behind only Sir Robert Menzies who spent just over 18 years in office in separate two terms between 1939 and 1966.
Five years ago the former Liberal Party leader was treated for blocked arteries at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney and had two stents inserted.
On his 80th birthday last year, he said: 'I feel the same as I did yesterday.
'I'm very happy to be alive and to have had the privilege of being born in Australia.'
As Prime Minister, John Howard's most notable achievements include bringing in new gun laws after the Port Arthur massacre and introducing the nationwide value-added tax called the GST.
Mr Howard led the Liberal Party from 1985 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 2007, and is widely respected as the party's elder statesman.
Mr Howard led the Liberal-National coalition to victory in four consecutive elections before being defeated by Kevin Rudd's Labor Party in 2007.
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