Britain's Longest-Serving Resident At Number 10

While Prime Ministers come and go, one resident has remained a constant presence at 10 Downing Street for more than 15 years. Larry the Cat, Britain's famous Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, has become one of the most recognisable animals in the country and arguably one of the most popular figures associated with Westminster. Since arriving in 2011, Larry has watched six Prime Ministers move through the famous black door, a record few politicians can match.

For readers across Newcastle and the North East, where cats remain among the UK's most popular pets, Larry's story is a reminder that sometimes the most enduring public servants have four legs and whiskers.

Who Is Larry The Cat?.

Larry is a tabby cat who was adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and brought to Downing Street in February 2011 during David Cameron's premiership. He became the first cat to officially receive the title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, a role with centuries of tradition behind it.

Today, Larry is believed to be around 19 years old and recently celebrated 15 years living and working at Downing Street. For a domestic cat, that places him among the senior members of the feline population.

How Many Prime Ministers Has Larry Seen?.

Since moving into Number 10, Larry has served during the premierships of:

David Cameron
Theresa May
Boris Johnson
Liz Truss
Rishi Sunak
Keir Starmer

That means Larry has officially seen six Prime Ministers come and go while remaining in post himself. With another leadership change on the horizon, he is expected to welcome a seventh Prime Minister.

For comparison, Liz Truss spent just 49 days as Prime Minister, while Larry has spent more than 5,500 days at Downing Street.

What Does Larry Actually Do?.

Officially, Larry's duties include greeting visitors, inspecting security arrangements and testing antique furniture for its suitability for naps. The role also involves controlling the rodent population around the historic government buildings.

Although critics have occasionally questioned his hunting record, Larry has repeatedly demonstrated his mousing abilities. Earlier this year he was spotted successfully catching a mouse outside government offices, silencing some of his long-time doubters.

Unlike many political figures, Larry's popularity has remained remarkably consistent. Experts have suggested that his independence and refusal to become involved in party politics have helped make him a national favourite.

Why Larry Appeals To North East Readers?.

The North East is a region known for its affection towards animals, with countless families across Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and Northumberland owning cats as beloved household companions.

Larry's appeal stretches beyond politics because he represents something familiar. While Westminster can often seem distant from everyday life in the North East, Larry's routine of sleeping, exploring and occasionally hunting mice feels relatable to cat owners everywhere.

His social media appearances, unexpected encounters with world leaders and habit of stealing the spotlight during major political moments have also helped turn him into a genuine British celebrity.

A Symbol Of Stability In Uncertain Times?.

At a time when British politics has experienced rapid change, Larry has become an unlikely symbol of continuity. He has witnessed Brexit, multiple general elections, leadership contests and historic international visits while remaining firmly in position outside Number 10.

For many people, including readers across Newcastle and the wider North East, Larry has evolved from a government mouser into a national institution. Whether he is patrolling Downing Street or sleeping on the job, Britain's most famous cat continues to prove that longevity is sometimes more impressive than political power.

Have your say.

What do you think makes Larry the Cat so popular with the British public?