Moving into Downing Street: Life behind its iconic black door

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to understanding and appreciating this ancient art form – or, at any rate, that was until I came along!! Getty Image By Rosemary McCabe, BBC Journalist Getty Image Amid all the drama surrounding politics today is nothing as telling as removal vans at Downing Street – symbolising its rapid pace of business like no other thing! Transporting all necessary staff members, family, pets and paraphernalia into 10 Downing Street for the new Prime Minister takes more effort and skill than it appears at first glance. Here’s how it happens: Rishi Sunak leaves and Sir Keir Starmer moves in on Friday after Labour won an overwhelming victory at the general election, shortly thereafter new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrived with wife Victoria Starmer at 10 Downing Street to become PM and become No 10. “Tony had just finished speaking and doing his wave with family and Cherie around him; everything is lovely!” Kate Garvey remembers this scene from 1997 as Tony Blair took office: he appeared nervous, took time deciding where the door opened or hesitated before answering it himself! Kate then realized: the problem lay with how Tony opened it! ” “Keeping a keen eye on both CCTV monitors and doors, staff in Downing Street spring into action when their cue is given; an important detail easily overlooked during election victories.”Getty Images David Cameron is welcomed inside by Downing Street staff after entering Downing Street accompanied by wife Samantha; they receive applause. Once inside Downing Street the Prime Minister is then met by staff from Downing Street.” “Don’t tell anyone what it is you are moving,” Morris advised, noting how some incidents “would make great material for newspapers!” But No 10 also serves as a family home, hosting birthday parties and providing space for relaxation.Getty ImagesPortraits of former prime ministers hang throughout No 10, creating what one former researcher in residence at No 10, Jack Brown called an odd dynamic within No 10. As both an office and home for work and play, it’s vitally important for Prime Ministers to feel at home there with both themselves and their family.” Harold Macmillan and his family enjoyed living at Downing Street from 1957-1963 despite strict rules about children riding bikes during cabinet meetings in the corridors. On the other hand, former Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson found life at Downing Street difficult due to “disturbances by officials”. Mary Wilson installed a doorbell in her second-floor rooms to discourage civil servants from invading. Getty Images Rishi Sunak with his wife and daughters outside No 10 marking DiwaliFriday nights are family nights at Starmer’s household. Sir Keir told Virgin Radio they have put into place a plan designed to carve out time specifically dedicated to their children on Fridays after six o’clock – even if that means work-related engagements take place despite best intentions – in order to give Sir Keir time off with them and his family. “So Friday after 6 is almost guaranteed un-work related.” What awaits the Starmer family during Friday nights at their new home will be one of many choices they must make over time. Over the coming days, there will be numerous boxes to unpack. And another key, yet subtler goal for Keir Starmer as prime minister will be making Number 10 feel more like home for his wife Victoria and himself. Alastair Reid and Tom Finn provided additional editing/production. Jenny Law and Beta Yee provided designs.