Larry the Cat Welcomes Sixth Prime Minister as Keir Starmer Takes Office

In a night marked by dramatic political shifts, one constant at the heart of the British government remained: Larry the Downing Street cat. The white and tabby feline, officially titled Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, was seen patrolling the iconic black door of Number 10 on Friday morning, a position he now shares with his sixth prime minister.

Larry, a fixture in British politics since 2011, was adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home during David Cameron's tenure. Serving as an unusual barometer of political climate, Larry has since witnessed the administrations of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, all within a period marked by significant upheaval within Conservative governments.

On Friday, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer moved into the historic residence following a landslide electoral victory, becoming Larry’s latest housemate. Despite the political changes, Larry's presence remains steadfast.

Starmer, who already owns a cat named JoJo, is expected to bring his feline companion to Downing Street. Larry, however, appeared unfazed by the prospect of new company. As the unseasonably wet and windy weather set in, Larry demonstrated his characteristic independence by waiting at the door until a friendly policeman let him in.

Larry's tenure at Number 10 has seen him become a beloved and enduring symbol of continuity amidst the shifting tides of British politics. As the nation adjusts to a new prime minister, Larry remains a comforting and familiar presence, embodying a rare stability in an ever-changing political landscape.