- Absent Canine Companion at 10 Downing Street: Prime Minister Opting for Feline Friends
New Feline Competition for Beloved Downing Street Resident Larry: The offspring of the newly appointed British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, are acquiring a feline companion. Starmer shared with the BBC on his 62nd birthday that he's endured "a lengthy summer of discussions" concerning a canine, yet decided on a kitten instead. Initially, Starmer's children had expressed a preference for a German Shepherd, as he had mentioned during his campaign.
"We're receiving a Siberian kitten; my daughter is retrieving it today," Starmer disclosed. The household – comprising the Prime Minister, his spouse Victoria, and two adolescents – had already introduced their own cat named Jojo when they relocated to Downing Street. Larry, unperturbed by the newcomer, according to Starmer.
The Cat Flap Dilemma
The single challenge revolves around the stringent security measures in place for the government dwelling "Number Ten". "We've encountered the issue, and it's the same for Jojo the cat, that the single entrance to our new dwelling is explosive-proof. Installing a cat flap is no easy feat," the Prime Minister stated. "However, our children have persuaded us that the predicament is not more daunting with two cats than with one. Consequently, we're securing this Siberian kitten."
Starmer's predecessors frequently maintained canines: Rishi Sunak's Labrador goes by the name Nova, while Boris Johnson introduced pet Dilyn.
For over 13.5 years, Larry has called Downing Street home – serving a longer tenure than many British Prime Ministers. In his capacity as "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office," he's even been granted an official position on the British government's official website.
Starmer is currently the sixth Prime Minister to share a home with Larry. David Cameron brought the cat to the government residence in 2011 – to address the rodent issue. Yet, primarily, the critter serves to entertain journalists, like chasing pigeons. Since Larry's advanced age – roughly 17 years – the government allegedly has plans to tactfully communicate the public the sad news of the cherished cat's demise.
Keir Starmer mentioned that his children initially wanted a German Shepherd, but they decided on a Siberian kitten instead. Despite the security challenges with the explosive-proof cat flap, the Prime Minister's family is determined to welcome the new feline, following in the footsteps of previous Prime Ministers like Boris Johnson, who had pets in Downing Street.
