Awkward Boris Johnson-Jacinda Ardern handshake goes viral: ‘It looked like he was trying to tear her arm off’

Boris Johnson’s vigorous, drawn-out handshake with New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern left observers on either side of the globe wondering what it was all about

The British prime minister ignored shouted questions about drowning in sleaze and whether he would take action over a politician facing groping allegations

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A composite image of the awkward handshake between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern. Photo: The New Zealand Herald

Published: 10:10am, 3 Jul 2022

A vigorous handshake between Britain’s Boris Johnson and Jacinda Ardern has gone viral, with some even fearing New Zealand’s prime minister may have suffered a workplace injury.

As Johnson greeted the visiting prime minister outside his Downing Street residence for an official photo call, the symbolic greeting left observers on either side of the globe wondering what it was all about and praising Ardern’s diplomacy.

Lasting for at least five seconds, the firm, energetic shake is coupled with a pulling action, with Johnson appearing to draw Ardern’s arm towards him.

All the while the pair smile and position themselves for photographers, with Johnson ignoring shouted, pointed questions about drowning in sleaze and whether he would take action over a politician facing groping allegations.

The unusual exchange has not been missed by people either side of the equator, with a clip going viral on social media and sparking a host of hilarious quips.

“Jacinda Ardern (NZ PM) nearly loses her right arm on the doorstep of No. 10,” posted one Twitter user, adding a facepalm emoji to highlight the oddity.