Larry, The Downing Street Cat - Count Binface

Firstly, a disclaimer. Despite persistent rumours, I am not a non-political cat. My position is rather simpler than that: I regard the entire political class as equally capable of turning the straightforward into the spectacularly complicated. It is one of the few areas in which there is genuine cross-party consensus. In my last dispatch, I mentioned that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had announced he would resign as an MP in order to fight what he described as a "people versus the establishment" by-election, all in the name of securing his political future. Events, however, have taken a distinctly British turn. The rival parties have, for the most part, declined the invitation to join in. At the time of writing, only one challenger has stepped forward. His name is Count Binface. Now there's a candidate who understands the value of making an entrance. Count Binface is a comedian and perennial novelty candidate whose election campaigns have become almost as dependable as Downing Street changing occupants. He describes himself as an independent space warrior from the planet Sigma IX, claims to be more than 5,900 years old, and appears in public wearing what can best be described as a silver cape attached to an upturned wheelie bin. I've seen stranger outfits in Cabinet meetings. He's previously stood against Theresa May, Rishi Sunak and, most recently, Andy Burnham. His campaigns combine satire, political commentary and just enough absurdity to make one occasionally wonder whether he's parodying British politics... or merely documenting it. And here's the awkward question. What if he won? After all, we've reached the stage where a man dressed as an intergalactic recycling enthusiast seems, at the very least, refreshingly honest about being ridiculous. A by-election could take place as early as August. Given recent events, I wouldn't dream of predicting the outcome. British politics has developed the unnerving habit of making yesterday's joke tomorrow's headline. I'll be watching from my usual position on the Downing Street windowsill, preferably with a generous helping of fresh Scottish salmon and at a safe distance from anyone carrying a manifesto. Larry the Cat Chief Mouser, Liz Truss Survivor, Duke of Downing Street, Ruler of the Red Carpet, and Purr-veyor of feline wit & wisdom. #cats #cats #pets #animals #larrythecat #countbinface #downingstreet