Sunak burnishes image on world stage – but at home problems mount

PM returns from G20 summit to face difficult economic circumstances that will soon become challenging political ones

On the tropical island of Bali, Rishi Sunak has been enjoying a honeymoon as a global statesman at the G20. He struck up a bromance with Canada's Justin Trudeau and managed a crucial first bilateral talk with US president, Joe Biden. The only major hiccup was a missed encounter with China's president, Xi Jinping, as he attempted to reset relations after a period of extended frost.

But back home, the climate of domestic politics is decidedly chillier, with little sign Sunak is enjoying much of the bounce in the polls new prime ministers used to expect.