Larry the cat continues to reign supreme at 10 Downing despite new PM

Prime ministers may come and go, but no political manoeuvre can squeeze

out 10 Downing's longest reigning resident - Larry the Cat.

Over the past 15 years, six prime ministers have shared the residence with

the Chief Mouser and he remains front and centre as his seventh houesmate,

incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham moves in.

Milling by the windowsill, lazing proud at the entrance of the iconic

prime minister's residence on 10 Downing Street in London,

Larry the Cat goes about his day, seemingly without a care in the world.

Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, a former stray, was put into power in 2011,

appointed by then-Prime Minister David Cameron to solve a rat

crisis at one of the world's most famous addresses.

He's served alongside UK's top policy makers and crossed paths

with world leaders.

Rubbing shoulders with likes of US President Donald Trump and First Lady

Melania.

And scouting the premise during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's

visit.

His term has surpassed those of his former roommates David Cameron,

Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and most

recently Keir Starmer.

The biggest question now surrounding Larry's time in office: will he

also outlast incoming Prime Minister and Labour Party leader

Andy Burnham?

Commentators have little doubt he will continue to exert power over the

household as top dog, despite possible incoming canine competition.

Justin Ng, a who's developed a professional relationship with the feline over the years

says Burnham's dog, Axel, better play nice, or risk being sidelined by staff members

who pays for Larry's food out-of-pocket.

“I don't think there'll be any issues, but mostly because he's seen it all before and

he's well used to all of this. He's spent time with Rishi Sunak's dog.

So I'm sure Andy Burnham, when he brings his dog Axel in, shouldn't

be a problem. And hopefully Mr. Burnham will also understand and

respect that Larry has been there forever and he is the boss,” Ng says.

It remains unclear who will be the boss of whom as Burnham and his family moves in.

Ng says in his older age, Larry has become "a bit more mellow, a little less bitey and scratchy" which could be signs he's going to be kinder towards Axel.  

"Hopefully Andy Burnham has prepped his dog for any for this transfer power to Larry,” Ng says.