Rupert Murdoch: David Cameron schmoozes at media mogul's Christmas drinks party

David Cameron has been busy trying to negotiate a deal for Britain to prevent "Brexit", so what better way to forget about all those discussions on benefits and Eurosceptics than to drink a few cocktails with media mogul – and billionaire migrant – Rupert Murdoch?

Cameron was one a "few dozen" close friends invited to Murdoch's home in St James's, London, where he was reunited with the owner of the Sun and Times newspapers as well as old chum – and News UK chief executive – Rebekah Brooks.

Cameron is believed to have gone to the event on Tuesday (22 December) evening before he and wife Samantha went for dinner with George and Frances Osborne at the Sexy Fish restaurant in Mayfair.

Alongside Cameron were chancellor George Osborne and the MPs John Whittingdale, the culture secretary, and Priti Patel, the employment minister. Jerry Hall, the former model and new girlfriend of the 84-year-old, was also there.

The meeting is thought to be the first time Cameron and Murdoch have met since the Conservatives won the general election in May and since Brooks – who was acquitted of phone hacking charges – assumed her role at News UK in September 2015.

His appearance raised eyebrows as Cameron has been criticised for an alleged cosiness with Brooks and the Murdoch press. The Australian media owner memorably told MPs that he entered Number 10 through a rear entrance when he visited Cameron at Downing Street. He made similar entrances when he visited former leader Gordon Brown.