British America Tobacco is aiming to become the UK’s lead supplier of e-cigarettes after it became the first major tobacco company to put them on sale this week.

British American Tobacco has become the first tobacco company to launch an electronic cigarette in the UK, raising fears that it could eventually boost its profits with public money should the NHS begin prescribing ecigarettes as a smoking-cessation tool.

The world’s largest tobacco firm created a database tracking every British MP’s opinion on plain cigarette packaging as part of its successful lobbying campaign to block the rules, it was claimed on Sunday.

Labour have attempted to ratchet up the pressure on Britain’s most senior civil servant to intervene in the row over allegations that the Conservatives’ election guru used his position to lobby ministers on behalf of private clients.

Conservative party election strategist denies discussed tobacco issues with PM or Health Secretary

He says claims made that he 'sought to improperly use his position' as campaign advisor were 'simply false'

Research among 500 Australian smokers has shown that smokers find cigarettes in plain packs less appealing

Prime Minister is under pressure over his strategist’s potential conflict of interest

The median voter has no idea who this supposed magician might be

Tory strategist’s links to cigarette giant pile pressure on PM after  tobacco policy U-turn

A major tobacco firm told the Government it was too early to assess whether selling cigarettes in plain packets would deter smokers – six months before ministers deployed the same argument.

Australia’s Health Minister has accused the UK Government of dropping plans to introduce blank cigarette packaging due to pressure from tobacco companies and one of their former lobbyists now working for the Conservatives.

Lynton Crosby under more pressure following Government’s decision to abandon tobacco pledge

Has his work for a tobacco giant had any influence over government policy?