This image is a 19th century cartoon of Budget Day in the House of Commons. In the top left corner the Chancellor, George Goschen is stood at the dispatch box leaning over a chaotic pile of papers. He is wearing traditional suit and old-fashioned spectacles. The caption above his head reads 'Mr Goschen in the thick of it.' He is flanked by two men on either side of him, sat on the frontbench. One is looking on with a faint smile of admiration, the other is looking anxious. In the bottom left corner a group of constituents are depicted sat in the public gallery asking questions to a backbench MP. Another caption reads 'Hon Members' Constituents want to know something of the Land bill! (awkward)'. In the bottom of the picture Samuel Storey, depicted with a long beard, is n waiting to give a speech. In the bottom right William Harcourt is depicted as a large man towering over William Harcourt in a conversation. In the top right, James Bain is stood in the Common chamber wearing a top hat.
Today is #BudgetDay 2025!
To mark this important day in Parliament's calendar, here is a short thread on the history and traditions of the UK's annual Budget. 💸 (1/10)