Larry the domestic tabby cat welcomed Andy Burnham to 10 Downing Street on Monday as the new UK prime minister took office.
While the transition of power in the United Kingdom involves complex political shifts, the presence of the resident cat serves as a rare point of continuity across different administrations.
Larry has served as the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office since 2011 [1]. Over the course of 15 years of service [1], the feline has become a fixture of the official residence in London. On Monday, Larry was observed waiting for and greeting Andy Burnham, who assumed leadership after the resignation of Keir Starmer [1], [2].
This marks the seventh prime minister Larry has welcomed to the residence [2], [3]. The cat's tenure has seen a succession of leaders enter and leave the historic building, a cycle of political volatility that contrasts with Larry's stable role.
Burnham's arrival on Monday follows a period of transition for the UK government [1]. As the resident cat, Larry's tradition of greeting each new occupant remains a widely recognized aspect of the Downing Street environment [2].
“Larry has served as the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office since 2011.”
The continued presence of Larry the cat during the transition to Andy Burnham's premiership highlights a unique British cultural tradition. By outlasting six previous prime ministers, the Chief Mouser symbolizes a permanent institutional fixture that transcends the frequent turnover of political leadership at 10 Downing Street.
