A Symbol of Stability Amid Political Shifts
As the United Kingdom prepares for a historic political transition from the Conservative Party to Labour after 14 years, one figure at 10 Downing Street remains constant: Larry the Cat. The venerable tabby, who has witnessed five Conservative prime ministers, is now set to greet his sixth, Keir Starmer, following Labour’s decisive victory on Friday.
From Mouser to Mascot
Larry was brought in by Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 to address a mouse problem and was officially titled “Chief Mouser.” Despite a less-than-stellar record in catching mice, Larry has become an emblem of stability through years of political upheaval.
A fierce guardian
Larry’s longevity at Downing Street is attributed to his protective nature. He has had several “heated exchanges” with Nova, the Labrador retriever of Rishi Sunak, according to Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murty. Larry also clashed frequently with Palmerston, the foreign ministry’s resident cat, until Palmerston retired to the countryside.
A new era with Starmer
Labour leader Keir Starmer, who owns a cat named Jojo and a hamster named Bear, may introduce new pets to Downing Street. However, Larry is expected to maintain his dominance in the historic residence.
On election day, Larry tweeted from his account, @Number10cat: “I don’t get to vote in this election, but I do have to live with whoever you elect. No pressure.”
Despite rumors of a strained relationship with his recruiter, Cameron, Larry is known for his friendliness toward journalists. BBC journalist Helen Catt noted Larry’s curiosity about the press, while photographer Justin Ng commented on Larry’s growing comfort with posing for photos.
Celebrating his 10th anniversary at Downing Street, Larry shared his secret: “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.”
Larry the Cat remains a steadfast symbol of continuity and charm amid the ever-changing landscape of British politics.
