Down in one! Chancellor John Healey spotted downing beer from Rotherham brewery Chantry after budget

The Chancellor was spotted downing a pint of Rotherham's finest beer to celebrate after yesterday's budget.

John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, reportedly requested the beer - named ‘Chancellor’s Choice’ - to be specially stocked at the pub for when he took part in the post-budget tradition of downing a pint.

Mick Warburton, head brewer at Chantry Brewery which created the beer, said: “He requested it in a pub in Westminster so as many of the treasury could have a beer after the budget.

“He wanted to have Rotherham beer on the bar,” he added.

The tradition reportedly dates back as far as Benjamin Disraeli in 1868, who is said to have drunk brandy and water at the despatch box.

Parliament makes a special allowance for the Chancellor to have alcohol in the chamber on budget day, but Chancellor Healey chose to enjoy his pint of local beer after proceedings instead.

Mr Warburton said: “John’s a good supporter of Rotherham businesses and he’ll try and promote us wherever he can.”

Breweries have reacted positively to the budget after the Chancellor announced cuts to business rates and beer duties for small brewers.

Mr Warburton said: “We weren't expecting it but it's very welcome. Obviously you need as much help as you can get and this levels the playing field to the big brewers.

“We’ve lost 2,000 brewers in the UK which is massive, and John’s been a massive help.”

Chancellor Healey requested the beer specially having previously toured Chantry’s brewery in Parkgate earlier this year.

Mr Warburton made the voyage to London himself to hand-deliver the beer for yesterday’s drinks, and even stayed for a few himself.

He said: “It’s a lovely yorkshire malt, yorkshire water and brewed with passion in Rotherham.

“I delivered it myself on Saturday, but I went down to have a drink as well with John.”

“We enjoyed a pint last night anyway! I didn't get back until 2am!”