TORY leader William Hague declined a pint of Wadworth's 6X during a press call at Devizes Corn Exchange on the evening of Thursday October 26, despite it being sponsored by the local brewers.
Although he has claimed to regularly drink 14 pints during student binges, Mr Hague, accompanied by his press secretary Sebastian Coe but not by his wife Ffion, preferred to keep a clear head during a brief press conference.
He then addressed a gathering of 300 party faithful before heading for the Norwood Hall at Marlborough College where 500 diners had paid up to £100 a head for the privilege of attending.
Asked if he didn't consider it wrong to milk the faithful to subisidise less Conservative-minded constituencies, Mr Hague said: "There's nothing wrong in helping each other. We are raising money to fight the next General Election."
After the press conference, Mr Hague was presented with a Devizes Town Council tie by Tory councillor Charles Winchcombe.
Charles Bartholomew, chairman of Wadworth & Co, said: "I hope Mr Hague will give consideration to reducing duty on beer which is destroying the small independent brewer in this country."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article