Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has revealed that his family's new pet cat is called Prince.
The Labour leader told BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that the white Siberian kitten with blue eyes has moved into Downing Street following lengthy discussions with his children.
The Starmer offspring had initially been promised a German Shepherd after moving to Number 10, but space concerns in the compact Prime Ministerial flat led to a change of plans.
Speaking to the BBC, Sir Keir said: "This change has a profound impact on our children. People asked me before the election what am I most worried about and I always said the impact on my children."
He continued: "I have to acknowledge this is a big move for them and therefore negotiating a fantastic kitten called Prince was part of the deal that they extracted from me."
Prince will join the Starmers' existing cat Jojo, who relocated with the family from their North London home, as well as Larry, Downing Street's long-serving Chief Mouser.
Earlier this week, the PM disclosed a minor hiccup in the feline's arrival, noting that installing a cat flap proved challenging due to the bomb-proof nature of the Prime Minister's flat door.
The new addition may face a frosty reception from Larry, known for his territorial nature and previous scraps with neighbouring cats.
Siberian cats, hailing from Russia, boast long, plush coats evolved to withstand harsh climates. Their hypoallergenic qualities make them suitable for allergy sufferers. The breed is renowned for its dog-like personality, potentially softening the blow of the children's canine disappointment.
Downing Street pets have become something of a tradition for incoming residents. Former PM Rishi Sunak introduced Nova, a Fox Red Labrador, while his chancellor Jeremy Hunt brought in Poppy, also a Labrador. Boris Johnson's tenure saw the arrival of Dilyn, a Jack Russell.
The custom dates back to wartime premier Sir Winston Churchill, who kept two cats, Nelson and Munich Mouser, alongside a poodle named Rufus during his time at Number 10.
