British prime minister Keir Starmer, 63, announced his resignation on 22/6, after less than two years in office. Starmer stated that the Labour Party's new leadership selection process will begin in July, and he will continue as prime minister until his successor is chosen, with an expected inauguration in September.
Starmer's departure paves the way for the UK's seventh leader in the past 10 years. This development has also drawn media and social media attention to Larry, Britain's "first cat", who has resided at 10 Downing Street for over 15 years.
News outlets highlight that despite the shifts in British politics, Larry's position remains unchanged. Larry has served under six British prime ministers and is now set to witness the arrival of a seventh during his tenure at 10 Downing Street.
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Larry the cat on the steps of 10 Downing Street, London, 22/6. *Photo: Reuters* |
"Governments change. Prime ministers come and go. But Larry the cat remains. With Starmer's resignation, Downing Street's longest-serving resident reminded everyone who is truly in charge," news outlet WION quipped about Larry.
Larry, a gray and white tabby cat, moved into 10 Downing Street on 15/2/2011. Originally a stray from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, he was adopted by the prime minister's office primarily for rodent control within the building.
Larry has served under six British prime ministers: five Conservative leaders—David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak—and the recently resigned Labour prime minister Starmer.
Holding the official title of "chief mouser" at the Cabinet Office, Larry maintains his own social media presence, drawing regular interest from cat enthusiasts. He is also a frequent focus for photojournalists, who often wait outside the famous black door for breaking political news.
According to the 10 Downing Street website, Larry's daily duties include: "greeting guests, inspecting security defenses" and "testing antique furniture for napping quality". His mouse-catching duties are humorously noted as being "in the tactical planning stage".
By Ngoc Anh (According to WION, LBC, Hindustan Times)
