Nick Robinson illness: BBC political editor to have operation to remove tumour on lung

The prolific journalist is taking time off work but is expected to return by May

Nick Robinson is taking time off work for treatment (Blake Ezra Photography/Rex)

BBC political editor Nick Robinson is to have an operation to remove a lung tumour, the broadcaster has said.

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.

A "No" campaigner bursts into song as the BBC's Nick Robinson walks past during the Scottish Independence Referendum (Getty Images)

“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.”

Cancer Research UK defines carcinoid tumours as a type of neuroendocrine cancer.

"Everyone at the BBC wishes Nick a speedy recovery," he added.

Carcinoid tumours are rare and tend to be slow growing, sometimes not causing any symptoms for several years, and around a quarter start in the lung and typically do not spread to other parts of the body.

Mr Robinson joined the BBC in 1986 as a trainee producer and has been in his current role since 2005, having left the BBC for ITV for a short period.

News of his illness sparked an outpouring of well-wishes and respect on Twitter.

The Prime Minister even sent a message saying he was "sorry to hear" or Mr Robinson's surgery.

Tim Shipman, political editor of The Sunday Times, said "every hack in their land" was crossing their fingers.

Mr Robinson's colleague Chris Mason, a BBC political correspondent, said he "sets the pace in political broadcast" and wished him a speedy recovery.

Additional reporting PA