Belief the Prime Minister's ties to the tobacco industry needed to be made clear from the get go

Chris Luxon's admitted his sister-in-law works for British American Tobacco - the largest tobacco company in the world.

Luxon says the Cabinet Office was aware of the connection, but he's adamant that he's never discussed tobacco policy with her.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation CEO Letitia Harding says it paints a picture that big tobacco may be pulling strings in the background.

She says she gave a big sigh, as they need to be transparent about knowing people that close to big tobacco.