The UK general elections have concluded, and Keir Starmer and the Labour Party have emerged victorious. As 10 Downing Street prepares for a new government, a sense of calm pervades the residence, emanating from one of its most famous inhabitants – Larry the Cat, Britain’s Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
Larry, a tabby cat adopted from London’s Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011, remains unfazed by the political whirlwind. He has witnessed five prime ministers from the Conservative Party come and go, and now awaits his first Labour prime minister. His official duties, as stated on the UK government website, include greeting guests, inspecting security, testing furniture for napping quality, and, of course, contemplating a solution to the house’s mouse problem, a task he considers “in tactical planning stage.”
Larry’s presence at 10 Downing Street is unique; he is the first cat to hold a rat-catching portfolio since Humphrey retired in 1997. Former Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed that Larry is a civil servant and therefore remains a permanent resident, unaffected by changes in leadership. His memorable tweet in 2022, proclaiming “I live here permanently, politicians are temporary residents,” solidified his position as the true master of 10 Downing Street.
Larry has encountered numerous world leaders during his tenure, displaying a fondness for former US president Barack Obama but showing less enthusiasm for his successor, Donald Trump. In 2019, during Trump’s visit, Larry opted to take a nap under Trump’s armoured Cadillac, delaying the former president’s departure after a meeting with Theresa May.
While Larry’s initial rat-catching performance was deemed “lacking in killer instinct” by the Daily Telegraph, his territorial nature has led to a few scuffles with the Foreign Office’s cat, Palmerston. In 2016, Larry required veterinary attention after a particularly heated encounter with Palmerston. However, since Palmerston’s retirement to the countryside, things have calmed down considerably.
Larry has shown himself to be a capable defender of 10 Downing Street, chasing off a fox that attempted to enter the premises in 2022. The viral video of this encounter showcased Larry’s focus and determination. He has also proven adaptable, coexisting peacefully with Boris Johnson’s Jack Russell cross, Dilyn, although there have been some “heated exchanges” with the outgoing First Lady’s fox-red Labrador retriever, Nova, as reported by Akshata Murty.
Larry’s popularity extends beyond the walls of 10 Downing Street. His unofficial X account boasts over 844,000 followers, and he is a regular fixture in television news bulletins and political events. His ability to find the perfect spot for camera appearances has earned him a place in the nation’s living rooms. He is also known for his mischievous side, having once devoured a journalist’s sandwich.
As Keir Starmer prepares to occupy 10 Downing Street, the question remains: will his cat, Jojo, join Larry in residence? And if so, how will the two feline dignitaries interact? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: Larry, the unyielding Chief Mouser, will continue to watch over 10 Downing Street, a symbol of resilience and unwavering presence in the ever-changing landscape of British politics. After all, as Larry himself has stated, “The key thing to remember is that I live here permanently, the politicians just lodge with me for a bit until they’re fired. They all work out sooner or later that it’s me that runs the place.”
