Larry the cat welcomed new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to 10 Downing Street, continuing his tenure as the official chief mouser.
The feline's presence serves as a symbolic fixture of continuity in the British government, remaining in place while political leadership changes.
Larry is a 19-year-old tabby [3] who has served as the chief mouser to the Cabinet Office for 15 years [1]. His role involves official rodent control at the Prime Minister's residence in London.
With the arrival of Andy Burnham, Larry has now seen the transition of power for a seventh time [4]. The cat previously outlasted six UK prime ministers [2] during his long residency at the address.
While prime ministers enter and exit the residence, Larry remains a permanent part of the Downing Street landscape. He is widely recognized as a mascot of the British establishment, providing a rare constant in the volatile environment of UK politics.
The cat's long service has made him a global figure of interest, often appearing in photos and reports during leadership changes. His tenure spans a decade and a half of shifting administrations, and political eras.
“Larry has served for 15 years as chief mouser”
Larry's longevity at 10 Downing Street transcends simple pet ownership, representing a cultural tradition of stability within the UK's executive office. By outlasting multiple administrations, the chief mouser becomes a living timeline of British political history, offering a lighthearted point of unity regardless of the presiding party.
