Sunak Faces Backlash Over Proposed Smoking Age Increase Despite Election Looming
• Rishi Sunak bringing forward flagship smoking ban policy next week, expects major rebellion from up to 70 Tory MPs • Policy would ban anyone born after 2008 from legally buying tobacco • Vote meant to show government is working hard ahead of election, but may underscore party splits • Rebels say policy is "unworkable," "impractical," "unconservative" and not a priority for voters • Bringing vote amid leadership troubles may exacerbate situation as MPs feel directionless before imminent election