Larry the cat has welcomed Andy Burnham as the seventh prime minister to reside at 10 Downing Street.
Larry the cat has officially welcomed Andy Burnham to 10 Downing Street as the new leader of the United Kingdom. The 19-year-old feline, known as the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, has served in the role since 2011. Originally adopted from a London animal shelter to manage a rodent problem, Larry has remained a constant fixture of British public life for over 15 years. He has served under six previous prime ministers, navigating major political events including Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. While his primary duty is rodent control, Larry is also tasked with greeting guests, inspecting security, and testing furniture for napping quality. The cat has become a media favorite, often appearing in photographs with international leaders. Larry's official X account noted that while politicians may change, cats are permanent. He provided specific instructions to his new employers, requesting breakfast at 9:00, brunch at 10:30, and lunch at noon. Unlike many members of the cabinet, Larry is expected to retain his position under the new leadership.