Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban was passed by MPs despite Kemi Badenoch leading 59 Conservatives who opposed the measure.
The business secretary said she voted against the bill because of “significant concerns” over denying some adults legal rights given to others. Five other ministers and the Tory deputy chairman also opposed the prime minister.
Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the Commons, abstained with 105 other Conservatives, despite Sunak making the bill a personal priority and insisting it would save thousands of lives.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which makes it illegal for anyone born after 2008 to ever buy cigarettes, passed by 383 votes to 67. Sunak relied on opposition support because of the Tory abstentions.
It was a free vote, meaning Conservatives could vote against
