After Keir Starmer’s election win the new Prime Minister will be moving into Number 10. But what will happen to the famous feline, Larry the Cat?
After 14 years of Conservative leadership, Downing Street is set for significant changes, yet Larry the Cat will continue to grace its corridors, reports the Mirror.
Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has become the new Prime Minister following a sweeping election victory. The Conservatives, led by Rishi Sunak, faced a devastating defeat, potentially marking their worst performance ever, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats seizing numerous seats. Sunak acknowledged the “sobering verdict” from voters after the Tories’ extended tenure.
As Starmer prepares to take residence in Downing Street, replacing Sunak, questions arise about the future of its most endearing inhabitant, Larry the Cat. Outlasting former PMs like Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, Larry’s presence has been a constant source of public affection.
Who owns Larry the Cat?
Larry the Cat, who was born a stray in 2007, was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 and has since been a cherished fixture at Number 10, holding the official position of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. David Cameron clarified during Prime Minister’s Questions in 2016 that Larry is part of the civil service and does not belong to any individual.
Larry, the Downing Street cat, has official duties according to the Downing Street website. It states that he “spends his days greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality”.
The site also mentions: “His day-to-day responsibilities also include contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house. Larry says this is still ‘in tactical planning stage’.”
Larry has had encounters with numerous world leaders. During Donald Trump’s visit, he chose to relax behind the former President’s £1.2 million armoured Cadillac.
In 2011, David Cameron disclosed to the BBC that Larry was fond of Barack Obama, stating: “Funnily enough, he liked Barack Obama. Obama gave him a stroke and he was all right with Obama.”
