The recent resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has once again plunged British politics into a period of uncertainty. But amidst the rotating door of leadership at No. 10 Downing Street, one figure remains resolutely in charge: Larry the Cat.
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Why Larry the Cat is Britain’s Most Stable ‘Politician’
Adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2011 by then-PM David Cameron, the 19-year-old rescue tabby has officially outlasted an impressive six Prime Ministers. From Cameron to Theresa May, Boris Johnson to Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and now Starmer, Larry has overseen a tumultuous decade in British history—weathering Brexit, a pandemic, and various political scandals—all without lifting a paw (except, perhaps, to swat a passing mouse).
Holding the prestigious title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, Larry’s day-to-day duties officially involve “greeting guests, testing antique furniture for napping quality, and contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house.” However, his unofficial role—providing a comforting sense of continuity to the British public—might just be his most vital contribution to the nation.
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As Philip Howell, a Cambridge University professor who studies human-animal relations, noted earlier this year, Larry’s non-partisan appeal gives him approval ratings that far exceed those of the human politicians who share his home. “He represents stability, and that’s at a premium,” Howell explained, adding that evicting the much-loved mouser would be an act of “political suicide” for any incoming leader.
Larry, The Cat Influencer
In the digital age, Larry’s charming stoicism has translated into massive internet fame. Dedicated fan accounts, including an X (formerly Twitter) page with nearly 900,000 followers, provide a steady stream of satirical, uplifting commentary that cuts through the political noise. His Instagram, @larry_downingstreet, is also on the rise with almost 50,000 fans at publishing.
Following Starmer’s departure, one popular meme page quipped: “If it carries on like this, I’m going to stop making the effort to learn their names.”
He is also known for his elite photobombing skills, nonchalantly upstaging world leaders like Barack Obama, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Australia’s own Anthony Albanese. During Donald Trump’s 2019 visit, Larry famously asserted his dominance by taking a defiant nap under the presidential armoured car.
What’s next for Larry?
Now, as the UK braces for what is tipped to be the appointment of Andy Burnham as the country’s seventh leader in ten years, Larry faces a brand new challenge. Reports suggest that Burnham plans to bring his rescue dog, Axel, to the residence. Unfazed, Larry’s X account was quick to lay down the law: “That wasn’t part of our deal Burnham!”
Whether navigating political turnover or the impending arrival of a canine housemate, one thing is certain: Prime Ministers may come and go, but Larry the Cat’s reign at No. 10 is permanent.
