Ben Shephard, who hosts the popular ITV programme ‘This Morning’, unexpectedly announced upsetting news about Larry the Cat from Downing Street.
Larry, the 16-year-old moggy, has held the prestigious position of Chief Mouser in the Cabinet Office at No. 10 since 2011. Despite not being the official pet of the Prime Minister, he was introduced into the household when the Conservatives took power, serving first under David Cameron’s tenure.
Originally a rescue from Battersea Dogs and Cats home in 2011, he’s even shared his residence with other pets, including Rishi Sunak’s Labrador, Nova. Reports suggest Sir Keir might introduce a family dog to No. 10, fulfilling a promise to his children, reports the Mirror.
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However, Shephard recently speculated that Larry may have to “step aside” now that there’s a Labour government, causing consternation in the ITV studio and concern amongst social media fans.
(Image: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
The conversation started with Shephard questioning: “I’m really intrigued to find out whether the ballot for the new dog in Downing Street is going well for the Starmer children. They were petitioning their father for a German Shepherd dog if they go to Number 10.”
Amidst this, Gyles Brandreth queried: “Have they discussed this with Larry the Cat? ” to which Ben revealed: “Well, Larry the Cat might have to step aside.” Visibly upset, Gyles interjected: “I’m so sorry, but this is the first misstep of the new government! I’ll tell you, there are as many cat lovers as dog lovers.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Ben spilled the beans: “Yes, he’s Chief Mouser to the government. But the Starmer children want a German Shepherd dog. That was their part of the deal if dad gets into Number 10, they want a dog.”
Gyles Brandreth couldn’t resist chiming in with: “Now we’re getting controversial!”
Social media users have been up in arms, with one pleading: “Leave Larry the f*** alone! ” while another echoed the sentiment: “Larry best not be going anywhere actually Ben! “.
(Image: ITV)
The drama unfolds as Keir Starmer’s own feline, JoJo, is set to challenge Larry for the prestigious Chief Mouser title. Cats Protection’s Nicky Trevorrow dished out advice to the Daily Mail, saying: “It’s natural for cats to feel threatened when a new cat comes along, as they’ll be protective of their territory and all the perks that come with it like food, shelter and warmth.”
Nicky added: “That’s why it’s important to take it really slowly, keep them in separate areas and get them used to each other’s scent before they actually see each other. When they’re familiar with another cat’s smell, it’ll make the face-to-face introduction much easier.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
