Liz Truss’s chief of staff has recused himself from discussions about changes to the government’s smoking strategy due to his past work as a tobacco industry lobbyist.
Mark Fullbrook, the prime minister‘s most senior adviser, has worked on behalf of British American Tobacco and Philip Morris, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes.
The government is considering shelving an action plan on tackling smoking, according to media reports.
On Tuesday, Health Secretary Therese Coffey was unable to confirm if she was scrapping the plan. The Department of Health insists “no decisions have been taken”.
Mr Fullbrook told Sky News he will have “no involvement whatsoever” in government smoking policy.
“Despite what people may want to imply, I am sensible enough not to misuse my position in any way,” he said.
Mr Fullbrook has already committed to avoiding involvement in all foreign policy relating to Libya, following a Sunday Times investigation into his work on behalf of Libyan politician Fathi Bashagha.
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Labour’s Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, said: “Number 10 has questions to answer about the involvement of Mark Fullbrook and any other former lobbyists for Big Tobacco in the decision to drop plans to tackle smoking.
“The health secretary must also be clear about her own tobacco industry connections.”
In 2011, Ms Coffey received £1,132 in gifts and hospitality from tobacco company Gallaher Ltd. In 2015 she voted against banning smoking in cars with children.
Last week, Labour called for an investigation into the appointment of Mr Fullbrook, after it was revealed he was questioned as a witness in an FBI bribery inquiry and was initially being paid by Number 10 via his lobbying company.
Mr Fullbrook refused to answer questions by Sky News about the FBI investigation, but he has not been accused of any offence and there is no suggestion he was aware of the alleged bribery plot.
A spokesperson for Mr Fullbrook has said the payment arrangement was not unusual and that he derived no tax benefit from it.
