Manifesto watch - Conservatives

The Conservatives are due to publish their election manifesto this morning.

I know it’s not a priority issue for most people but, having spent the last eight months thinking of little else, you’ll forgive me for speculating about the inclusion of a generational tobacco ban.

But first, a quick recap.

On May 24, having unexpectedly called an early general election, Rishi Sunak told journalists he was "disappointed" that his flagship bill banning the sale of tobacco to future generations of adults had to be dropped due to lack of time.

In the unlikely event the Tories were to win the election it was suggested the policy would be a priority for the new government. But then came this report:

Speaking to reporters on a flight from Belfast, the prime minister did not promise a ban would feature in the Conservative manifesto, but he said he remained "very committed" to it.

This morning however, in a long report in The Times (Conservative manifesto 2024: The key policies we expect, explained) the generational tobacco ban to which the PM remains “very committed” isn’t mentioned at all.

That doesn’t mean it won’t feature in the manifesto, but the policy clearly divides opinion within the party (to such an extent that it has been branded “unconservative” by Sunak’s predecessor Liz Truss, and “bonkers” by Boris Johnson, who knows a thing or two about winning elections), so why risk further unrest?

We’ll find out soon enough so watch this space for updates.

Update: Not mentioned in Rishi Sunak’s speech launching the 76-page manifesto but tucked away on page 41:

We will bring forward our landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill in our first King’s Speech.

Translation: Tories commit to generational smoking ban.

Remember that if and when a Conservative candidate knocks on your door asking for your vote.