From Politics to Profit: Penny Mordaunt's Bold Move to British American Tobacco

Former Conservative cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt is stepping into a part-time role with British American Tobacco (BAT) as a member of its transformation advisory board. This appointment was disclosed by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), which oversees post-government positions for politicians to ensure transparency and accountability. BAT has tasked Mordaunt with providing insights on tobacco harm reduction and evaluating strategies to minimize its combustible products, particularly cigarettes.

BAT, known for iconic cigarette brands like Lucky Strike and Rothmans, aims to shift towards a smokeless future, aspiring to be predominantly smokeless by 2035. The company has started selling vapes as part of this transformation strategy. Acoba’s evaluation of Mordaunt’s new role indicates a limited risk that her appointment may be perceived as a reward for prior governmental actions, primarily because she has been out of office for five months and did not have access to sensitive information that could benefit BAT unfairly.

Mordaunt assured Acoba that she would not engage in lobbying for BAT but was advised to refrain from any direct interaction with the government on the company’s behalf to minimize any potential conflicts.

This development occurs against the backdrop of recent parliamentary considerations, including a Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which proposed banning tobacco sales to individuals born after January 1, 2009. Mordaunt abstained from voting on the bill when it was presented in Parliament.

Mordaunt, a prominent figure during her time in government, held various ministerial roles and was a candidate in the 2022 Conservative Party leadership race. Besides her engagement with BAT, she is also planning a series of short films focusing on Ukraine, titled “Do Not Look Away,” and has accepted a paid position with Sub Sea Craft Limited, which specializes in maritime technology. This transition from politics to industry sparks intrigue regarding the future implications for both Mordaunt and British American Tobacco.