HORSE
Larry, a European white and brindle cat with a decades-long tenure at a government office, has long been a familiar face near the corridors of power. Known for his diplomatic charm, he has lived at the heart of Downing Street for more than ten years, greeting neighbors and journalists with a calm, almost ceremonial presence. His daily routine includes roaming the hallways of power and sharing the spotlight with political reporters who cover the British government.
Historically associated with the office of the prime minister, Larry is celebrated for his quiet vigilance and instinctive role as a pest controller. The position he occupies is unofficial yet widely recognized, described informally as the Government’s unofficial helper who keeps the offices free of rodents. Over the years, he has witnessed major political events, including the leadership change from David Cameron to Theresa May and the transitions that followed.
In the years when Cameron was at the helm, Larry became a familiar sight at official moments. There are photographs of him that circulated among MPs, showing a close bond between the cat and the office staff. Cameron reportedly wished he could take Larry along, but the cat was considered a resident of the office, belonging to its staff and the hallways he patrolled. When May became prime minister, she kept Larry in his official post and even wore a collar bearing the British flag as a nod to Brexit politics. This gesture sparked commentary at the time, with some accounts portraying Larry as a symbolic ambassador who connected Brussels and London through his daily presence.
From the official Number10cat social media account, updates continued to celebrate Larry’s activities and his role as a diplomatic figure in the government’s life. The account regularly shared images and anecdotes that highlighted his interactions with journalists and politicians alike, cementing his status as a small but influential member of the political scene.
Every day, Larry stands shoulder to shoulder with reporters and politicians, a testament to how a pet can become part of a nation’s political folklore. Photos captured by political journalists in London show him in the daily loom of governance, a furry companion for many who cover the news. In a way, Larry has become an unlikely influencer, understood by constituents and observers as a mascot of continuity within a shifting political landscape.
Overall, Larry’s presence at 10 Downing Street illustrates how animals can contribute to the human political narrative. He offers a moment of calm amid the rapid pace of government work, reminding readers and viewers that there is more to leadership than policy alone. His story intersects with discussions about tradition, media coverage, and the informal rituals that define public offices.