🔗 Share this article

Larry has observed half a dozen prime ministers arrive and depart, greeted presidents and princes at the famous entrance of Downing Street, and is soon set to become the longest continuous resident since Pitt the Younger.

Lasting Figure in UK Politics

While the landscape of UK government has transformed significantly over the last decade and a half, Larry has remained a reassuring steady presence. His lasting appeal - the type that many leaders would desire - is now featured in a upcoming documentary series exploring the country's love for felines.

"Larry is certainly the person to encounter at No 10," commented one Westminster source, adding that he "enjoys the run of the house."

Modest Beginnings

Larry, whose formal title is Head Cat of the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street, was taken in from an rescue center to tackle a pest problem. His journey from stray feline in south London to official resident represents a true rags to riches story that outshines many political life stories.

Government Life

When strains ran strong during the coalition government, former Prime Minister the ex-PM was keen to dispel any suggestions of animosity between him and the nation's new beloved feline. "This rumor is I dislike Larry - I certainly do," he declared during one parliamentary session.

Now a increasingly recognized figure, Larry appears fully accustomed to the spotlight. Often spotted on live television lingering patiently by the entrance, his relaxed behavior in front of cameras has become somewhat troublesome for the Number 10 groundskeeper - Larry frequently goes to the front garden to do his business.

Official Duties

His official description details the elderly cat as passing his days greeting visitors, inspecting protection measures, and testing antique pieces for napping quality. His regular duties include considering answers to the mouse presence in the residence.

While the cat is the initial to hold this specific title, cats have been welcomed in the halls of government for at minimum a century. "Consistency is an essential part of Larry's appeal," noted one academic who has researched people-pet connections.

Official Appearances

The cat has an sharp sense of official occasion. "The moment anything happens on the road, especially an formal visit, like clockwork, he'll be outside the main," remarked a Number 10 insider. "Larry adores the attention."

Former US President the former president and Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy are among the international figures he has impressed. However, not officials were similarly fond.

Character and Preferences

"The former PM famously hated him because she was a canine person," explained one camera person who has witnessed several MPs attempting, and failing, to stroke Larry.

When he isn't treading the sidewalks, his frequent sleeping spots include the office equipment and in-trays, but his preferred spots are on the window sills on either side of the front door.

Popular Affection

Larry's appeal with the public remains undeniable. There are various online accounts devoted to the nation's top mouser, including one with more than eight hundred sixty-eight thousand followers. Larry also gets fan mail, playthings, and treats from around the world and has lately been featured in a publication about political pets.

Complaints and Response

As chief cat, he naturally gets his portion of complaints. One political analyst recently called him as "too overweight and too lazy to really perform his job," accusing him of being "support dependent."

In response, sources close to Larry have released a stinging rebuke. They clarify that he is not at all publicly funded, with Downing Street staff willingly covering his costs.