Former Howard government minister Peter Reith has suffered a suspected stroke and will no longer contest the Victorian Liberal party presidency.
It is understood he exhibited signs of slurring speech while campaigning at a Liberal party function on Tuesday night before being taken to hospital.
Mr Reith was due to challenge Michael Kroger for the Victorian Liberal party presidency at the upcoming state council on April 1.
It's been reported Mr Reith was the only challenger to Mr Kroger for the position. Nominations for the role closed on March 2.
Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy, who was supporting Mr Reith's campaign, says the party's thoughts and prayers are with him.
"Peter Reith has been a dedicated servant of the Liberal Party for more than four decades and is one of its most beloved statesmen," Mr Guy said in a statement.
"On behalf of all Victorian Liberals, I wish him a full and speedy recovery."
Victorian Liberal state director Simon Frost said Mr Reith had withdrawn his nomination for the state presidency.
"On behalf of all party members we wish Mr Reith a full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time," Mr Frost said in a statement.
The party has been under pressure financially after former state director Damien Mantach stole $1.5 million from party coffers.
The Cormack Foundation, a Liberal party fundraising arm, has also refused to hand over portions of its funds unless Mr Kroger is removed as president.
Mr Reith entered federal parliament 1984 and held the seat of Flinders until 2001 and served as a minister for various portfolios.
His time as industrial relations minister was characterised by the 1998 waterfront dispute and as defence minister he became known for the children overboard scandal.
Victorian Liberal and Financial Services Minister Kelly O'Dwyer tweeted her support for Mr Reith: "A giant of the Howard Government. Thinking of Peter Reith and his family at this terrible time. Wishing him a speedy recovery."
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