Earlier today, October 20, Liz Truss confirmed she was resigning as Prime Minister of the UK.
After just 44 days in office, she addressed the nation, confirming that she was stepping down, and that her successor would be in place in just a week's time.
In these worrying times, many choose to distract themselves from the headaches of politics with a lovable cat.
One specific cat in fact, Larry, the friendly feline that calls Downing Street his home.
He has been there for years, long before Liz and even Boris Johnson, and the nation will be hoping he will remain there long after.
At 15 years old, he is a familiar face that people actually like to see outside number 10. Recently, he chased off a fox who was on his turf.
Who does Larry the Downing Street cat belong to?
During a 2016 Prime Minister’s Questions, David Cameron explained that Larry is a civil servant and not the personal property of any one individual.
He holds the title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office and has been in residence since February 15, 2011.
He actually has official duties as well, with the Downing Street website stating he “spends his days greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality.
“His day-to-day responsibilities also include contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house. Larry says this is still ‘in tactical planning stage’.”
He has also met his fair share of world leaders, as during a visit from Donald Trump he decided to lounge out behind the former President’s £1.2 million armoured Cadillac.
In 2011, David Cameron revealed to the BBC that Larry actually liked Barack Obama, saying: “Funnily enough, he liked Barack Obama.
“Obama gave him a stroke and he was all right with Obama.”
He was rescued from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and has been a beloved tenant of number 10 ever since.
What will happen to Larry now?
As Larry is technically not owned by an individual, but by the staff of Downing Street, he won’t be going anywhere.
Civil Servants simply serve whichever party is in place, so once Boris’ replacement is confirmed, Larry will be there waiting for him.
He is 15 years old, so no one would try to take him away from his stately home or government duties now.
You can follow Larry yourself on Twitter, where he shares many insights and his own perspectives of the UK government.
