‘Accepted Keir Starmer’s Resignation As My Chief Servant’: Larry the Cat’s Viral Post Steals Show As Andy Burnham Enters UK PM Race

A social media post from Larry the Cat, the long-serving feline resident of 10 Downing Street, drew widespread attention on Monday, June 22, after Andy Burnham confirmed he would run for the Labour Party leadership following Keir Starmer's resignation as UK prime minister.

The post, shared on X, quickly gained traction online amid intense speculation over who will succeed Starmer. Referring to the outgoing prime minister and Burnham's leadership ambitions, Larry wrote: "I have accepted Keir Starmer's resignation as my chief servant and have invited Andy Burnham to lay out details for how many meals a day he'll give me." Keir Starmer Resigns As UK Prime Minister; Hugs Crying Wife Following Announcement (Videos).

Larry the Cat Jokes About UK's Next PM

"I have accepted Keir Starmer's resignation as my chief servant and have invited Andy Burnham to lay out details for how many meals a day he'll give me" pic.twitter.com/7Ix95PMsN7

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) June 22, 2026

The tongue-in-cheek remark became one of the most widely shared reactions to the political transition, with users flooding social media with comments and memes about the race to lead Labour and the UK government.

Andy Burnham Officially Enters UK Leadership Race

While social media focused on Larry's post, Burnham formally confirmed that he would seek the Labour leadership. In a statement posted on X, the Greater Manchester mayor thanked Starmer for his service and emphasised the need for stability during the transition period. Who Is Andy Burnham? ‘King of the North’ Emerges As Frontrunner To Succeed Keir Starmer As UK Prime Minister.

"Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period," Burnham said. "His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process."

Burnham said the country expected continuity and a focus on key public concerns as Labour begins the process of selecting a new leader. "The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get," he said.

He added: "As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be." Highlighting policy priorities, Burnham said: "People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives."

Burnham also stressed the importance of unity within the Labour movement as the party enters a new phase. "The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose." "This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country."

His announcement came shortly after Starmer confirmed his resignation, ending days of uncertainty over his future and triggering the contest to choose Labour's next leader.

Burnham is widely regarded as one of the strongest contenders in the race and has long been viewed as an influential figure within Labour.

As the leadership contest begins to take shape, attention is expected to focus on who can unite the party and address issues such as economic growth, public services, housing and the cost-of-living pressures facing households across the UK.

For now, however, a satirical post from Downing Street's most famous cat has ensured that the political transition is also being accompanied by a lighter moment that captured the attention of social media users.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2026 05:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).