Shabana Mahmood believes cigarette-induced asthma attack was message from God

PoliticsOpinion
28 Jan 2026 • 12:47 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Shabana Mahmood, a potential successor to Keir Starmer, revealed the naughtiest thing she has ever done was taking a drag on a cigarette as a teenager, which triggered an asthma attack.
  • She interpreted the asthma attack as a divine message to avoid smoking.
  • This confession has been compared to Theresa May’s 2017 statement that the naughtiest thing she did was running through 'fields of wheat', which garnered widespread ridicule.
  • Ms Mahmood also spoke about the demanding nature of her role as Home Secretary, admitting that the constant threats and plots prevent her from sleeping well.
  • She emphasised the central importance of her Muslim faith in her life, stating she believes in accountability to God and regularly prays for safety and expresses gratitude.

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