British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, June 22, becoming the sixth leader to step down in the past decade. The news was met with emotional reactions from his family and political allies, marking the end of a tumultuous period in UK politics.
Larry the cat, the longtime chief mouser of 10 Downing Street, has outlasted all six prime ministers since 2011, including David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and now Starmer. The tabby cat has been a constant presence through political upheavals, symbolizing stability amid leadership changes.
Starmer fought back tears during his resignation speech, thanking his wife, Victoria Starmer, for her unwavering support. He described her as a 'rock by my side' and vowed to focus on family life after leaving office. Lady Victoria, an NHS occupational therapist, has maintained a low public profile but is known to have influenced decisions behind the scenes.
The couple shared an emotional moment outside Downing Street, with Lady Victoria visibly moved as she embraced her husband. Starmer also expressed gratitude to civil servants and staff, calling his time as prime minister the 'proudest moment of my life.'