Downing Street Welcomes New Feline Resident After “Long Summer of Negotiations”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has revealed that his family has adopted a new Siberian kitten, after a “long summer of negotiations” with his children who had initially been hoping for a German Shepherd, Sky News reports.

The Prime Minister recounted the lengthy back-and-forth with his son and daughter, who had been lobbying for a dog. He ultimately managed to persuade them to settle for a kitten instead.

“There’s been a long summer of negotiations, back and forth, different options,” he reportedly told BBC. “But now we’ve gone for – and this is agreed after long negotiations – I said we’d get in the room and sort it out – we are now getting a kitten instead of a dog.”

The new kitten, which is being picked up today by the Prime Minister’s daughter, joins a long line of pets who have enjoyed access to the heart of Downing Street. However, the newest feline resident will face a unique challenge – sharing the spotlight with Larry, the famous Downing Street mouser.

Larry, a celebrated figure over the last decade, has served as chief mouser for the past six prime ministers and has become known for his frequent appearances during significant political moments.

Starmer acknowledged the difficulty in installing a cat flap at Number 10, as the only door out is bombproof. This has already presented an obstacle for the Starmer family’s current cat, JoJo, a rescue animal whom the Prime Minister previously described as “revered” by his teenagers.

“Our daughter persuaded us that the problem isn’t any bigger for two cats than one,” said Starmer. “And therefore, we’re now getting this kitten.”