With the Starmers moving into Downing St, the family cat JoJo has also appeared. There has been no update on the plan to install a cat flap so JoJo could use the Downing St garden which has been delayed due to security concerns. Starmer’s biographer Tom Baldwin also reported in the Times that Starmer was considering acquiring a further cat for his daughter.
All this leaves the question of Larry the No.10 cat often to be seen wandering around on TV news broadcasts. Larry is 17 years old, and Rachel Reeves might be considering his allowances, were it not for the reality that Downing St staff cover his upkeep.
Larry is reportedly arthritic but currently well. However 17 is ‘getting on a bit’ for a cat.
Civil Servants, again reportedly, have drawn up plans for when Larry departs, using the code Larry Bridges (also used for Royal departures). There are pictures and media announcements ready to go. One hopes there will also be a tribute from catman Keir Starmer when the time comes.
He getting to be an old boy. Larry, not Starmer that is. I expect nothing less than a state funeral. Plus a week of solemn music on the wireless. Or should that be the cats whisker. 🐈