Sunak’s General Election announcement hijacked by fan favorite Larry the cat

A soggy Rishi Sunak hoped to set out the Conservative Party’s stall as he announced the date of the General Election only for Larry – the beloved Downing Street cat – to hijack his moment.

Heavy rain and blaring speakers downed out the Prime Minister as he called a snap election for July 4 following months of speculation about when the nation would next go to the polls. Despite his valiant attempts to defend his Government’s record in office, it was a fellow Downing Street resident that won many of the public’s attention.

As the Prime Minister addressed reporters outside No 10, viewers watching the announcement noticed the “Chief Mouser” was also caught in the rain. The feline was spotted sitting on the window before shifting to stand outside the door to No 10, no doubt in the hope he would be let in. Larry’s predicament captured the hearts of many, who took to social media to share their concern.

X user @Moswazowskinail said: “Larry the Cat is on the window. Let him in. Also, they cut the cameras away from Downing Street so do not know what’s happening right now.” Social media user @Ekklesia_co_uk added: “Larry the Cat has come out of No 10 and is sitting on the window, looking very unimpressed.”

Others praised Larry, joking that he was more trusted than several Westminster politicians. The X commenter @LucyDBLanguage posted: “Larry @Number10cat looking way more statesmanslike (sic) on the steps of Downing Street than Sunak did.” While @HelenYoung16 commented: “Larry the Cat sitting on the front step knowing he’s the only Downing Street resident most of us trust.”

Tabby Larry was appointed to his role as Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office under then Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011. He has since served under five prime ministers: Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Sunak.

Fortunately Larry will not need electioneering to his duties as the UK enters weeks of political campaigning. Sunak said the nation “must choose” in this election, adding he was proud of what his Government had done during his time in office. The Prime Minister listed increasing the state pension by £900, reducing taxes on investment and reforming education among its achievements.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer responded to Sunak’s announcement by blasting the Conservatives. He vowed to “stop the chaos.” He pointed to soaring prices and mortgages, sewage in rivers and poor crime outcomes.