Former Australian leader Rudd ‘recovering well’ after operation

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is “recovering well” after an operation to remove his gallbladder, his wife Therese Rein told reporters today. “We haven’t been advised by the doctor yet” on when he can leave the hospital, Rein said in televised comments. He will follow medical advice on when he can resume normal activities, she added.

Rudd, 52, was taken to the Mater Private Hospital in Brisbane with acute abdominal pain two days ago and underwent medical tests, according to a statement from his office. He intends to continue campaigning for the Aug 21 election next week, according to the statement. Rudd was ousted by his deputy Julia Gillard on June 24 when Labor Party factions and key labor unions switched allegiance as his popularity with voters slumped in opinion polls to election- losing levels.