Larry, the brown-and-white tabby cat, has become a mainstay in British politics for over a decade, having lived at 10 Downing Street since 2011. It is safe to say the pet has been the only entity able to hold his ground amid constantly changing administrations in the British political landscape, after seeing the back of five (5) Prime Ministers, and getting ready to serve a new one with the emergence of Keir Starmer this week.
Serving as the official "Chief Mouser," of 10 Downing Street, Larry the Cat has not only won over the British people but has also come to represent political continuity. Keir Starmer's first day in office as the new British Prime Minister on Friday July 5th, involved multiple briefings, including one regarding the renowned 10 Downing Street Feline.
Larry the Cat greets yet another Prime Minister, making Starmer the sixth British leader he will be serving. For clarity, Larry has outlasted five British Prime Ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, since his arrival in February 2011.
A Storied Arrival and Early Days
Larry’s journey to the heart of British politics began at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where he was adopted as a stray. David Cameron, Prime Minister at the time, welcomed Larry the Cat to Downing Street on February 15, 2011. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era, where a cat became a permanent and iconic resident of one of the most famous addresses in the world.
In his early days, Larry quickly adapted to his new surroundings, exploring the historic rooms and corridors of 10 Downing Street. His primary role was to keep the mouse population in check, but he also became a source of comfort and amusement for the staff.
Life Under Five Prime Ministers
In his more than ten years working at Downing Street, Larry has witnessed the rise and fall of five prime ministers. David Cameron, the man who brought Larry on board was the first to encounter the feline’s charisma, and he was frequently spotted cuddling up to him. However, that relationship came to an end after Mr. Cameron resigned in June 2016.
July 2016 saw the inauguration of a new administration under Theresa May. In his role as Chief Mouser, Larry persisted in his responsibilities with the same zeal. In July 2019, Boris Johnson took over, and Larry went viral on social media during Johnson’s reign, thanks to all the pictures and videos of the Mouser doing everything from hunting to attending official events.
Liz Truss took over after Boris resigned. During Truss’ short reign as Prime Minister, a tenure which came to an end in September 2022, Larry the cat was there every step of the way. Larry also served under Rishi Sunak and continued to rule as the Chief Mouser until his resignation recently. It is expected that the impressive cat will continue his duty under Mr. Starmer.
A Celebrity in His Own Right
Larry is indisputable in his celebrity position. There are regular posts about his daily life, his interactions with political leaders, and his opinions on current events on his X account, which has about 889,000 followers. Pictures of Larry sitting on the steps of Number 10, checking state vehicles, and even meeting foreign dignitaries abound in tweets.
Larry has also appeared in lots of documentaries, TV shows, and news pieces. His appeal cuts beyond national boundaries; making him a worldwide feline symbol. Many people who visit Downing Street hope to see Larry, and it is safe to say he has come to represent the less serious aspect of British politics.
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