Larry the Downing Street cat's fate revealed as Keir Starmer becomes PM – but there's a major problem
There's no doubt about it, when it comes to the government there's always one thing that wins the public over - and that's Larry the Downing Street cat.
Larry - who actually has an official title and is part of the Civil Service - is now 17 years old (he was born in January 2007). So, with Labour winning landslide victory in the 2024 general election, many can't help but wonder... what happens to Larry?
The cat has overseen the arrival and departure of seven Prime Ministers, and newly elected Keir Starmer will be his eighth when he moves in later today or tomorrow. But Keir's new position could potentially pose a huge problem, especially for Larry.
As the Prime Minister and his wife Vic Starmer plus their two teenage children are set to move into Number 10, it means Larry will become part of their family. However, have their own cat, called Jojo so time will only tell if the two pets get along.
It's important to note that although he'll become part of the Starmer household, Larry isn't actually 'owned' by anyone in particular. During a 2016 Prime Minister’s Questions, then-PM David Cameron explained that Larry is a civil servant and not the personal property of any one individual.
Instead, he holds the title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office and has been in residence since February 15, 2011. But it appears that Larry works hard for his money and even has official duties to uphold.
The Downing Street website states he: “Spends his days greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality.
“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 - who rescued from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - has also met his fair share of world leaders, as during a visit from Donald Trump he lounged out behind the former President’s £1.2 million armoured Cadillac.
And then in 2011, David Cameron revealed to the BBC that Larry actually liked Barack Obama, saying: “Funnily enough, he liked Barack Obama. Obama gave him a stroke and he was all right with Obama.”
Larry's food and upkeep is paid for by way of a collective kitty voluntarily funded by Downing Street staff.
