ITV This Morning's Ben Shephard sparks outrage with tragic Larry the Cat news
This Morning host Ben Shephard has sparked fury and outrage after he suggested that Larry the Cat would have to "step aside" from Downing Street
Alastair Campbell says Larry the cat would be better PM
This Morning star Ben Shephard made a sombre interruption during the show to deliver some sad news about Downing Street's beloved Larry the Cat.
The venerable mouser, who has been a staple at number 10 since 2011 and served under various Prime Ministers starting with David Cameron, is not officially owned by the PM but was brought in after the Tories took office.
Rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home back in 2011, Larry has been a familiar face alongside other political pets, including Rishi Sunak's Labrador, Nova. With reports swirling that Sir Keir might introduce a family dog into Downing Street, having promised his children a pet, there's speculation about Larry's future.
Ben sparked a heated debate on the show when he suggested that Larry might "step aside" with the arrival of a Labour government, causing an uproar in the studio and concern among fans online.
He kicked off the conversation with: "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," reports the Mirror.
Gyles Brandreth chimed in with a question: "Have they discussed this with Larry the Cat?" leading Ben to disclose: "Well, Larry the Cat might have to step aside."
An irate Gyles cut in: "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."
Ben revealed: "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 then chimed in with: "Now we're getting controversial!"
Social media users have been vocal, with one pleading: "Leave Larry the f*** alone!" while another concurred: "Larry best not be going anywhere actually Ben!"
This development follows reports that Keir Starmer's own cat could challenge Larry for his esteemed role. The Labour leader plans to bring his feline friend, JoJo, into Downing Street, prompting Cats Protection's Nicky Trevorrow to advise in the Daily Mail: "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."
Trevorrow 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."