Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is set to swerve a longstanding political tradition in her Budget speech.
The Chancellor, 45, is expected to unveil her autumn Budget proposal tomorrow (Wednesday, October 30) and it’s predicted she’ll pump billions into the crisis-hit NHS to slash waiting lists and end a decade of neglect.
While most of the Budget contents remain under wraps, it’s believed she will sidestep a long-standing despatch box tradition. The role of Chancellor allows the holder to enjoy a drink of their choice while addressing the House of Commons.
Since Gordon Brown’s first speech as Chancellor in 1997, water became the norm. It’s reported that Reeves will continue to swerve the tradition, opting for water instead.
This move has surprised the public, who are happy to see the tradition retired, as they recall the beverage choices of previous chancellors. The news has sparked nostalgia among Twitter users, who fondly remember the drink selections of past chancellors.
A tweet sent by Spectator Political Correspondent James Heale has sparked a surprising reaction from the public. It says: “Sad news in today’s Sun that Reeves will not drink at the despatch box in her first Budget.”
While Winston Churchill swirled a brandy during his time as chancellor and Geoffrey Howe sipped at a gin and tonic, it seems Dalton’s choice of rum and milk has not impressed people. The former chancellor of the exchequer under Clement Attlee’s post-war Labour government in the 1940s drank a rum and milk mixture at the despatch box.
It is a drink mix which has rightly horrified members of the public, who went on to question how such a drink could be enjoyed. One wrote: “Surely the real story is who is drinking rum and milk voluntarily?”
The discussion took off further when someone quote-tweeted Heale, sharing a snap of two rum and milk concoctions garnished elegantly with a lime slice. Reactions poured in; another baffled netizen exclaimed, “rum and what? ” while others poked fun, envisioning a chancellor declaring, “Low key be amazing if one walked out with a pint said, here’s the budget and my 7th pint.”
Many have shared how Budget discussions at home are met with similar attitudes. One person humorously remarked: “I always have a strong tea (without sugar) when having to explain the household budget to the husband.”
Another quipped: “Noticeable that Britain’s economy has declined ever since the Chancellor started drinking water. Something to think about.”
Someone else joked: “It is likely we’ll all need a stiff drink afterwards.” Additionally, another individual commented: “This is more annoying than it should be.”