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Will Rishi invite Biden to his California pad?

Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak in California (Credit: Getty images)

When Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister last October, Joe Biden phoned him to reaffirm the ‘special relationship’. But when the two leaders appeared at a press conference last night to launch the Aukus pact with Australia, Sunak probably wished Biden hadn’t been so chummy.

Biden seems to have given the Red Wall, and Sunak’s political opponents, plenty to chew over

‘First of all, I want to welcome him back to California,’ Biden said of Sunak. ‘He’s a Stanford man, and he still has a home here in California. That’s why I’m being very nice to him, maybe he’ll invite me to his home,’ he continued, just in case anyone had missed where this home might be, ‘here in California.’ 

According to reports, the home in question is a £5.5 million penthouse in Santa Monica, complete with ocean views, a concierge service, fitness centre and even a ‘pet spa’.

In a classic case of a compliment backfiring, Biden seems to have given the Red Wall, and Sunak’s political opponents, plenty to chew over.

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Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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