Boris Johnson calls Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban ‘absolutely nuts’

Boris Johnson has attacked Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban, calling it “absolutely nuts” in a lament about the state of the Conservative party in Britain.

Speaking at an event in Canada on Wednesday night, Johnson said it was “mad” that the party of Winston Churchill was “banning cigars”.

Johnson attacked the policy at the Canada Strong and Free conference in Ottawa, where he appeared on a panel with the former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott and the political commentator John O’Sullivan.

There have been suggestions that Johnson will return to the campaign trail to help the Conservatives at the general election, expected to take place in the autumn.

Sunak’s proposed smoking ban would make it illegal for anyone turning 15 or younger this year to ever be able to buy tobacco products.

Johnson told the audience: “The difference between us conservatives and our opponents is that every time, their instincts are always about control and exploitation and coercion, and taking your money and spending it on your behalf and regulating your life – and we are, on the whole, in favour of freedom.