Larry the Downing Street cat stepped out in a new union jack collar on Wednesday, showing there was no scepticism in his particular corner of Whitehall about Theresa May’s “red, white and blue” Brexit.

No 10 sources hinted Larry’s smart new collar, complete with a shiny brass tag, was not a Christmas present from the prime minister.

The mouser is provided for by Downing Street civil servants, who make contributions for his food and wellbeing.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “All Larry’s costs are met by No 10 staff.”

The cat is believed to have spent the festive period in Downing Street, where staff continue to work over the break.

The smart new attire shows how far the rescue cat has come since he was picked up in February 2011 from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Humphrey, his predecessor, retired in 1997 when the Blairs moved into Downing Street.