Boris Johnson has held the door open to appearing on The Great British Bake Off as he told of his love for Bakewell tarts.
The British prime minister was speaking as he and British home minister Priti Patel visited Gorton in east Manchester on Sunday.
The Conservative Party leader played a competitive game of table tennis with children and staff at HideOut Youth Zone, at one point taking on Ms Patel in a doubles rally.
Mr Johnson was heard describing his young partner as “ruthless” after the boy stung a shot past their opponents and into a bank of photographers capturing the action.
Mr Johnson also showed off his artistic skills as he drew and coloured in a bee, one of the symbols of the city of Manchester – where the autumn Tory Party conference is taking place.
In an activity-packed visit, Mr Johnson – wearing an apron with “Bake Back Better” emblazoned on it – then helped whisk together ingredients for a sponge cake, before icing one that had already been baked.
Asked whether he would like to be a contestant on Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off, the British prime minister replied: “I wish. I would love to do that.
“I don’t think they have ever invited me.”
He admitted it was “a long time” since he had helped with any household baking but revealed his favourite sweet treat is a Bakewell tart.
“I think that’s just about my favourite,” Mr Johnson said, as he recalled how his grandmother used to bake them.
Asked later what his favourite dessert is, he replied: “I don’t know. I think I’m going to stick with the Bakewell tart.
“If I was on death row I think I would have steak and chips followed by a Bakewell tart.”
Appearing to have a change of heart on how to finish his hypothetical final meal, he added: “Actually, it might be sticky toffee pudding. Yes, sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream.”
