Larry the cat has outlasted six UK prime ministers during his 15-year tenure as the official Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street [1], [3].
His longevity serves as a rare constant in the volatile landscape of British politics. While leadership at the heart of the UK government changes frequently, the residence of the Chief Mouser remains independent of election cycles or political upheavals.
Larry first moved into the official residence of the prime minister in 2011 [1]. Since that time, he has seen a succession of leaders enter and exit the building. The six prime ministers who served during his tenure include David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer [1].
Reports in February 2026 highlighted that Larry has now spent 15 years in his role [3]. As the Chief Mouser, his primary responsibility is the management of pests within the historic building, a duty that ensures his continued employment regardless of who holds the office of prime minister [1], [5].
Because the position is an official role tied to the property rather than a political appointment, Larry is not subject to the shifts in party power that define the occupants of Number 10. This stability has made him a well-known figure to the public and a symbol of continuity in London [2], [3].
“Larry has outlasted six UK prime ministers”
The tenure of Larry the cat highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of political power and the enduring traditions of the British civil service. By outlasting six different administrations, Larry has transitioned from a simple working animal to a cultural icon of stability during a period of significant leadership turnover in the United Kingdom.
