Larry the Downing Street Cat: The Unchanging Heart of British Politics

Amid political upheaval in Britain, Larry the Downing Street cat remains a constant presence at Number 10 as he welcomes his sixth prime minister. Larry has been a resident since 2011, serving under various leaders. With Labour's Keir Starmer now in office, Larry may soon share the street with Starmer's cat, JoJo.


Devdiscourse News Desk | London | Updated: 05-07-2024 19:57 IST | Created: 05-07-2024 19:57 IST
Larry the Downing Street Cat: The Unchanging Heart of British Politics
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  • United Kingdom

Amidst a night of sweeping electoral changes in British politics, one thing remained unwavering on Friday morning: Larry the Downing Street cat. Bearing the official title Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, the white and tabby feline was seen around the iconic black door of Number 10, a place he'll now share with his sixth prime minister.

Larry has resided in this bastion of British power since 2011. Adopted from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home under Prime Minister David Cameron, Larry has become an unorthodox barometer of British political climate, serving under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak during a period rife with Conservative upheaval.

On Friday, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer moved into Number 10 following a landslide electoral victory. While Larry's presence remains undeterred, he may soon have company: Starmer's cat, JoJo, is expected to join him in residence.

Unbothered by the blustery and wet weather, Larry employed his typical strategy to gain entry to Number 10—waiting by the door until a kindly policeman opened it for him.

(Disclaimer: With inputs from agencies.)

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