In the ever-turning wheel of British politics, where prime ministers come and go with dizzying speed, one resident of Number 10 Downing Street has achieved an extraordinary feat of longevity: Larry the Cat marked 15 years of service yesterday as the chief mouser, outlasting six prime ministers with his signature stoic grace.
Larry's tenure began in February 2011 when he was brought to Downing Street from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, according to his official government page. He was originally intended as a pet for the children of then-Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha, during their time at the residence in central London.
Now aged 19, the well-known tabby has patrolled the corridors of Number 10 for a decade and a half, becoming a permanent fixture amid the revolving door of leadership. Few occupants of the famous address manage to stay long in recent years, yet Larry has endured through turbulent times.
In his formal role as chief mouser—a position held by felines at Number 10 since the 1920s—Larry is tasked with managing the rodent problem at the government building. His duties, as playfully outlined, include inspecting security defences, testing antique furniture for napping quality, and contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house.
Larry has remained steadfast through the administrations of David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and the current Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, witnessing the highs and lows of British governance from his vantage point at the Prime Minister's doorstep.
The cat's frequent appearances outside Number 10 have endeared him to the British public, turning him into a beloved symbol of continuity in an otherwise unstable political landscape. His quiet dignity and unflappable presence have made him a standout amid the chaos of Westminster.
