Larry the Cat celebrates 15 years as Downing Street’s chief mouser | ITV News
Larry the Cat celebrates 15 years as Downing Street's chief mouser | ITV News
It's an anniversary that few political figures can claim: fifteen years of continuous service at the very heart of British power. Today, 15th February 2026, marks the momentous occasion of Larry the Cat completing a decade and a half as the undisputed Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
From a scruffy shelter cat to a global political icon, Larry's journey epitomises stability and endurance amidst the turbulent waters of UK governance. He has outlasted four Prime Ministers, navigated the choppy seas of Brexit, and solidified his position not just as a pet, but as a genuine national institution.
ITV News brings you a special look back at the life and times of the one resident of Downing Street whose popularity ratings consistently remain sky-high.
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The Accidental Politician: Larry's Early Days at Number 10
Larry's story began far from the gilded cages of Whitehall. In early 2011, 10 Downing Street faced a serious public relations crisis, not over policy, but over pest control. A rat sighting, caught famously by television cameras, necessitated immediate action.
The call went out to the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. They selected a four-year-old tabby known for his exceptional hunting skills. He arrived on February 15, 2011, under the tenure of Prime Minister David Cameron, instantly receiving the official title: Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
The early days were fraught with scrutiny. Critics questioned whether this new addition, dubbed the 'Accidental Politician,' was up to the task. Initial reports were mixed. While Larry displayed immense charm, his efficiency rating as a hunter was initially quite low.
A Journalist's Anecdote: The First Major Scandal
I recall being on assignment near the famous black door shortly after his arrival. The hype was incredible. Everyone wanted a photo of the new mouser. But in those first few months, Larry was far more interested in sunbathing on the warm tarmac than actual mousing. There was one famous incident where he chased a pigeon, only to get thoroughly outsmarted by a particularly plump mouse that scurried right under his nose. PM Cameron had to publicly defend him, insisting Larry brought "a great deal of character" to the residence, even if his primary function was debatable.
This early inefficiency only served to endear him further to the public. He wasn't perfect; he was real. He embodied the slightly chaotic spirit of the British public sector.
Larry's duties, laid out officially upon his appointment, were comprehensive, though often selectively executed:
- Reducing the population of house mice at Number 10.
- Greeting diplomatic visitors (or pointedly ignoring them).
- Testing the structural integrity of carpets and antique furniture via napping.
- Serving as a silent counterpoint to political rhetoric.
Despite his slow start in pest control, Larry quickly mastered the art of photo-bombing high-profile broadcasts, ensuring his face was synonymous with the famous address. He transcended the role of 'pet' and became a permanent, non-partisan fixture.
A Chief Mouser's Tenure: Navigating Prime Ministers and Public Scrutiny
To serve 15 years in such a high-pressure environment means Larry has witnessed some of the most dramatic political shifts in modern history. He has seen the rise and fall of four distinct administrations, maintaining an air of detached professionalism throughout.
Larry's relationship with his human colleagues has been varied, often reflecting his signature indifference.
The Cameron Era (2011–2016): The Beginning
Larry arrived as a family pet but swiftly became a state employee. David Cameron famously admitted being "very sad" to leave Larry behind after the EU Referendum result, clarifying that the cat was a civil servant and "does not belong to the Camerons." This move cemented Larry's non-partisan status—a crucial factor in his survival.
The May Era (2016–2019): Stability During Chaos
During the intense political deadlock surrounding Brexit negotiations, Larry became a symbol of calm. Viral photos of him snoozing undisturbed on the pavement outside the Cabinet Office while politicians scrambled inside offered a light-hearted counter-narrative to the prevailing chaos. It was during this time that he gained global fame, frequently trending on Twitter.
The Johnson Era (2019–2022): Rivals and Controversy
Larry faced his biggest career challenge during Boris Johnson's tenure: the introduction of a perceived rival, Dilyn the Dog. The ensuing feline-canine relationship was fraught with tension, often captured in candid shots showing Larry asserting his dominance, usually by firmly occupying Dilyn's preferred spot or giving the spaniel a wide, disdainful berth.
His indifference to Johnson himself was legendary, most famously captured when Larry refused to move from beneath the Prime Minister's official car, causing a minor security delay.
The Sunak Era (2022–Present): Elder Statesman
By the time Rishi Sunak took office, Larry was already the longest-serving resident. His role transitioned from Chief Mouser to Elder Statesman. He now operates largely on his own schedule, occasionally allowing himself to be photographed with international dignitaries, often lending a touch of whimsical soft power to otherwise serious diplomatic encounters.
One of the most persistent trends associated with Larry is his commitment to defying security. Over the years, he has been captured numerous times:
- Blocking the movements of high-ranking police officers.
- Inspecting press camera equipment before major announcements.
- Attempting to enter the residence via restricted windows.
- Engaging in playful but serious territory disputes with Palmerston (the Foreign Office Cat, now retired).
His longevity is a testament to the idea that, in the world of politics, consistency and charm often triumph over complicated policies.
The Enduring Legacy: Why Larry Remains a National Treasure
After 15 years, Larry the Cat is more than just a public servant; he is a media phenomenon and a cultural touchstone. His social media presence, spearheaded by the unofficial but widely followed @Number10cat account, boasts millions of followers globally.
This social media fame ensures that even when the political news is grim, there is always a lighthearted update from the most important street in the country.
The Chief Mouser as Diplomatic Tool
Academics and political commentators have often noted Larry's unique contribution to diplomacy. His presence humanises the often-imposing facade of Number 10. When world leaders visit, the inevitable photograph with the famous cat breaks the ice and serves as a universally digestible piece of media reporting.
He represents British humour and understatement perfectly. In a world obsessed with spin and carefully crafted public images, Larry's authentic, often grumpy, indifference is refreshing.
Speculation about his retirement has surfaced many times, but the overwhelming consensus is that Larry is an embedded part of the infrastructure. He is, functionally, unsackable.
As the nation looks ahead to future political changes, one constant remains reassuringly clear: the presence of a 19-year-old tabby patrolling the perimeter, reminding everyone that while politicians come and go, the Chief Mouser is here to stay.
Happy 15th Anniversary, Larry. The UK, and indeed the world, salutes your dedication to napping, security obstruction, and occasional mousing.
His tenure is not just a footnote in political history; it is a chapter devoted to the enduring appeal of the non-partisan, furry civil servant who truly runs the show.
The legacy of the Chief Mouser ensures that for generations to come, the name Larry will be synonymous with stability, dignity, and the occasional mouse-catching triumph at the most famous address in the United Kingdom.
May his rule continue for many years to come.
Larry the Cat celebrates 15 years as Downing Street's chief mouser | ITV News
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