Larry the cat of Downing Street is facing a challenge to his position as the British government’s chief rat-catcher – from an adorable “Russian” kitten.
New Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his family, who moved into Number 10 in July following the Labour leader’s landslide general election victory, brought their family cat JoJo with them.
Now following “conversations” with the Starmer children – who wanted a German shepherd dog – it has been agreed that a “Siberian kitten” will be included alongside JoJo.
“There were talks over a considerable period of time over the summer, discussing various options,” Starmer told BBC radio in an interview broadcast on Monday.
“But now we have started taking kittens instead of dogs,” he said.
But Larry has been working at the top position at the British Prime Minister’s residence in central London for the last 13 years.
The 17-year-old tabby dog was adopted from a cat rescue charity in 2011 to keep mice away from Downing Street, although then Prime Minister David Cameron revealed his performance was lacking.
Despite this, Larry has become a media star – especially popular among journalists – and even has his own social media account, @Number10cat.
Starmer – who is Larry’s sixth prime minister – revealed that rivalry between cats isn’t the only issue behind keeping pets in Downing Street.
“Our problem, which is the same for the cat Jojo, is that the only exit door from our new flat is bombproof,” he said.
“So, getting the cat flap is proving a bit difficult,” he said.
– ‘Larry Bridges’ –
Given Larry’s celebrity status as the greatest survivor of the political turmoil in recent years, authorities have also prepared a detailed plan in the event of his death.
Like the bridge built for the late Queen Elizabeth II, which was named “London Bridge”, Larry’s plan is named “Larry Bridge”.
The arrival of Starmer’s new pet was welcomed by Sarah Elliott, central veterinary officer for charity Cats Protection.
But he also offered some advice for Starmer as he tries to integrate the new member.
“As the junior member of the growing cat alliance in Downing Street, the Prime Minister and his family will need plenty of time to gradually introduce the newest member to JoJo and Larry.
He added: “Young kittens can be tiring for old politicians like Larry, so he will also need a safe, quiet area where he can relax when the younger member of the team’s energy gets too much.”
Larry himself made it clear on Tuesday that he is still fully in charge.
“The kitten will report to a cat named Larry,” he said on X, through the person who runs his social media accounts.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)