“Keep Calm and Larry On”: Chief Mouser’s Account Steals the Spotlight Amid Starmer’s Resignation
On June 22, 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation following intense pressure from Labour MPs. Starmer’s departure comes less than two years after his landslide election victory.
He succumbed to mounting discontent within his party, a situation exacerbated by heavy local election losses and Andy Burnham‘s recent Makerfield by-election victory. Starmer intends to stay on as a caretaker until a new leader is chosen by September, while Burnham has already confirmed he will stand as a candidate to replace him.
The real constant: Larry the cat
While prime ministers come and go, one resident at 10 Downing Street remains firmly in place. Larry the cat was officially adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2011 to deal with mice on the premises. Holding the official title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, Larry is a civil servant and is not the personal property of any prime minister.
Having lived at the historic residence during the premierships of David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, the 19-year-old tabby is now preparing to welcome his seventh prime minister. Although the widely followed @Number10cat account on X is an unofficial parody account, its satirical commentary frequently captures the mood of the British public during moments of political transition.
My advice today, and always: pic.twitter.com/lWl9w8Ap2s
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) June 22, 2026
A revolving door of Prime Ministers
As rumours of Starmer’s departure circulated, the parody account was quick to weigh in. Early on June 22, the account posted an image with the caption:
«If rumours are to be believed I’ll be living with a seventh different Prime Minister shortly. If it carries on like this I’m going to stop making the effort to learn their names.»
The feline commentator also took aim at modern aesthetic updates to Downing Street. Sharing a photo of a glass revolving door at Number 10, the account simply stated:
«I miss the old door».
Podiums, press and priorities
As a massive press pack gathered outside the residence, Larry’s account made sure to centre the narrative entirely around himself. Sharing a view of the crowded street, the account asked:
«All these journalists have come to see me, right?».
When broadcasters focused on the empty wooden podium positioned on the street, the account offered a different perspective:
«Either Keir Starmer is resigning or I’ve got a new scratching post.»
Reiterating his core priorities with a photo of the cat sitting near a miniature wooden podium, the account stated:
«Whether Starmer stays or goes we can all agree that me being fed is the most important thing».
Welcoming a New «Chief Servant»
Following Starmer’s official resignation, the parody account swiftly moved on to the business of appointing a successor. Sharing another image of Larry at his miniature podium, the account declared:
«I have accepted Keir Starmer’s resignation as my chief servant and have invited Andy Burnham to lay out details for how many meals a day he’ll give me».
In a final message to the British public during a day of political upheaval, the account posted a bright red graphic featuring a white feline silhouette, offering some steady advice:
«KEEP CALM AND LARRY ON».
My advice today, and always: pic.twitter.com/lWl9w8Ap2s
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) June 22, 2026
