A British tabloid newspaper has made a light-hearted dig at Bermuda's former Governor Sir John Vereker ¿ for having to leave "paradise" and return to the drabness of English suburbia.

Daily Mail gossip columnist Richard Kay gently mocked Sir John, pointing out that the diplomat must be struggling to cope with his new life back in Blighty.

Mr. Kay informed readers of the popular tabloid : "As our man in Bermuda, Sir John Vereker was used to the trappings of office and entertaining high-status friends including Tony and Cherie Blair.

"His palm-fringed grand home became a much sought-after spot for the Blairs when they wished to escape the rigors of Downing Street.

"But now Sir John, who became a controversial figure in Bermuda, has exchanged the palatial colonial mansion for a modest house in suburban Raynes Park, South-West London.

"Last month, father-of-two Sir John, 63, and his wife, Judith, retired as the Governor and First Lady of the British Overseas Territory and returned home after five years in 'paradise'.

"Gone are the official Daimler, servants galore and of course the right to wear that famous plumed white hat to greet official dignitaries. Also gone are the manicured 200-acre gardens the island's largest an Olympic-sized swimming pool and, most importantly for tennis fan Sir John, the finely-mown grass court.

"Marlborough-educated Sir John played host at least twice to the Blairs. In 2004, he entertained Tony, Cherie, their sons Nicky and Leo and daughter Kathryn plus Cherie's mother Gale at the white stucco residence.

"Cherie had stayed there the previous year with her family when she was invited to address the Bermudian Bar, prompting a call for an investigation into how much their stay cost the taxpayer.

"Sir John also irritated the island's politicians after refusing a request to hold meetings with Bermuda's premier at the Cabinet Building rather than Government House.

"It is unlikely Sir John's new abode will feature on the Blairs' freebie holiday destination list. The house is only 100 yards from the busy A3 and nearby is a Korean restaurant and a pain relief clinic. 'It is quite pleasant here,' says a neighbour. 'It's mainly for people who can't afford Wimbledon. If he wants to play tennis, there are the council-run hardcourts.'

"On the up side, Sir John has landed a directorship with insurer XL Capital, which has its head office in Bermuda so perhaps he can at least visit the island on business."

Sir John retired in October after five years on the island. His replacement, Sir Richard Gozney, flies in next Tuesday and will be sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday in the grounds of the Cabinet Building.