BBC journalist Nick Robinson treated for lung tumour

BBC political editor Nick Robinson is being treated for a tumour but hopes to be back at work in time to cover the general election campaign, his agent said.

The 51-year-old journalist, who has led the corporation’s Westminster coverage since 2005, needs an operation to remove a bronchial carcinoid tumour from his lung.

In a statement, his agent said Mr Robinson, 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.”

Carcinoid tumours are rare and typically do not spread to other parts of the body.