Larry the Cat will continue his tenure as Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street even as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to hand over power to Andy Burnham at the end of the week. Unlike personal pets, Larry is a civil servant, meaning his position remains unaffected by changes in government.
Larry's Longevity in Downing Street
Since arriving at No. 10 in 2011, Larry, now 19 years old, has outlasted six prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Sir Keir Starmer. He is now set to welcome his seventh, Andy Burnham.
A former London stray, Larry was adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 15 February 2011 and has become one of the most recognisable residents of Downing Street.
Care and Duties
Larry is cared for by permanent Downing Street staff, who manage his daily care and veterinary needs. He is not funded by taxpayers. When Andy Burnham moves into No. 10, he will be joined by his wife, Marie-France van Heel, and their rescue dog, Axel.
According to his official UK government profile, Larry's duties include greeting guests, inspecting security defences, and testing antique furniture for napping quality. Fans can follow Larry on X, where his posts offer commentary on life inside Downing Street and British politics.
