Larry the cat welcomed new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to 10 Downing Street on Monday, June 22, 2026 [1].
The feline greeting marks a transition of power within the British government following the resignation of Keir Starmer after two years in office [2]. As the official Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, Larry serves as a permanent fixture of the residence, providing a sense of continuity amidst the volatility of UK political leadership [3].
Burnham, the new Labour leader, assumed the premiership this month [2]. His arrival at the residence was met by Larry, who has now welcomed seven prime ministers in a decade [4]. The cat has become a symbol of endurance at the heart of British government, outlasting multiple administrations through various political crises.
According to reports, Larry has seen six prime ministers resign during his tenure [5]. This stability stands in contrast to the frequent turnover of the human occupants of the building. The cat has served in his official capacity for more than 15 years [6].
While the role of Chief Mouser is largely ceremonial, the tradition of the cat greeting the incoming leader remains a widely recognized event. The transition occurs as Burnham takes over the leadership of the Labour party and the government, inheriting the responsibilities of the premiership in a period of significant political shift [2].
“Larry has now welcomed seven prime ministers in a decade”
The longevity of Larry the cat as the Chief Mouser highlights the frequent turnover of leadership at 10 Downing Street. While the transition from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham represents a shift in Labour party leadership, the continuity of the resident cat serves as a cultural touchstone that persists regardless of which politician holds power.
