In turbulent political times, stability comes with four legs, whiskers and a fondness for napping. Larry the cat, the British government’s official rodent-catcher and unofficial first feline, is a reassuring presence who has served under six prime ministers. (AP video shot by Kwiyeon Ha)
Before the day is over, Andy Burnham is likely to encounter Larry the cat, the most famous permanent resident of No. 10 Downing Street.
The gray and white tabby has lived at the prime minister’s residence since 2011, surviving six of Burnham’s predecessors.
A one-time stray adopted to help combat a rodent problem, Larry now regally patrols Downing Street, often appearing just as visiting dignitaries arrive.
He already has been seen Monday morning, the center of attention in front of the polished black door.
Larry is the most stable thing in British politics, said photographer Justin Ng, one of the cat’s most frequent chroniclers.
″(He’s) like the night watchman of Downing Street,’’ Ng said. “He’s looking out, looking out for people. People are reassured (by) his presence that things will carry on.
These days Larry has his own profile on the government website and more than 900,000 followers on X. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently stopped to say hello, but all leaders hope to be seen by his side.
Now he just has to win over Burnham’s dog, Axel. No problem, right?