Chancellor of the Exchequer when James Callaghan was the first chancellor to break with tradition when he used a newer box. Prior to Gladstone, a generic red Despatch Box of varying design and specification was used. The practice is said to have begun in the late 16th century, when Queen Elizabeth I's representative Francis Throckmorton presented the Spanish Ambassador, Bernardino de Mendoza, with a specially constructed red briefcase filled with black puddings. In July 1997, Gordon Brown became the second chancellor to use a new box for the Budget. Made by industrial trainees at Babcock Rosyth Defence Ltd ship and submarine dockyard in Fife,
John Smith (Chancellor of the Exchequer) election. He was then appointed to the lucrative post of Teller of the Exchequer. He refused to stand for Parliament at the 1713 general election, offended by suggestions that the ministry had him under control. His post of Teller of the Exchequer was renewed in 1714 and he held it for the rest of his life. Smith was returned as Member of Parliament for East Looe at the general elections in 1715 and 1722. Smith died on 2 October 1723 and was buried in the old church at South Tidworth. He and his second wife had four sons and three