Former Liberal MP Peter Reith in hospital after suffering suspected stroke

Former Howard government minister Peter Reith is in hospital after a suffering a suspected stroke. 

Mr Reith, 66, was due to challenge incumbent Michael Kroger for the Victorian Liberal party presidency at the state council on April 1.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter Reith who was this morning hospitalised following a serious medical emergency," Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy said today.

"On behalf of all Victorian Liberals, I wish him a full and speedy recovery."

Sky News Australia, for whom Mr Reith contributes, said he was being treated for a "brain bleed".

Mr Reith is expected to withdraw from the Victorian Liberal party presidency race. 

He served as the federal MP for the seat of Flinders between 1984 and 2001.