Six prime ministers, nine lives: Downing Street’s ‘chief mouser’ Larry the cat outlasts another leader
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, marking him the sixth change in leadership the United Kingdom has seen in the past decade. While Downing Street has become known for its revolving door of prime ministers, one resident has remained a constant presence throughout the political upheaval: Larry the cat, the […]
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, marking him the sixth change in leadership the United Kingdom has seen in the past decade. While Downing Street has become known for its revolving door of prime ministers, one resident has remained a constant presence throughout the political upheaval: Larry the cat, the U.K.’s longtime chief mouser.
Larry, a brown and white tabby, has served as chief mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street since Feb. 15, 2011, and has been at the heart of the U.K. government for over 15 years, braving some of the most turbulent political upheavals in modern British history.
During his tenure, he has outlasted the administrations of David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and now Keir Starmer.
Larry was recruited from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, according to History of the U.K. Government, for his mouse-hunting skills.
” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/six-prime-ministers-nine-lives-downing-streets-chief-mouser-larry-the-cat-outlasts-another-leader.webp” src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/six-prime-ministers-nine-lives-downing-streets-chief-mouser-larry-the-cat-outlasts-another-leader.webp” alt=”Larry the cat, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office waits on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street in London, Monday, June 22, 2026 as expectations are growing that Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer will announce his resignation soon.(AP Photo/Kin Cheung)” class=”wp-image-4618706″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/six-prime-ministers-nine-lives-downing-streets-chief-mouser-larry-the-cat-outlasts-another-leader-1.webp 700w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/six-prime-ministers-nine-lives-downing-streets-chief-mouser-larry-the-cat-outlasts-another-leader-1.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/six-prime-ministers-nine-lives-downing-streets-chief-mouser-larry-the-cat-outlasts-another-leader-1.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/six-prime-ministers-nine-lives-downing-streets-chief-mouser-larry-the-cat-outlasts-another-leader-1.webp?resize=696,464 696w” sizes=”(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px”>Larry the cat, chief mouser to the Cabinet Office, waits on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street in London, Monday, June 22, 2026. (Kin Cheung/AP Photo)
Since then, he has been a prominent household figure at 10 Downing Street in London, the world-famous residence and workplace of the prime minister since 1735.
Over the years, Larry has become far more than just Downing Street’s chief mouser. He has earned a reputation for his appearances alongside journalists, encounters with visiting dignitaries, including former President Barack Obama, and well-publicized clashes with other Westminster felines, most notably Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat.
Larry’s tenure has coincided with some of the most consequential moments in recent British history, including the Brexit referendum, the COVID-19 pandemic, and multiple changes in government.
After two years as prime minister, Starmer’s resignation triggered another leadership transition in the U.K., ensuring that Larry would welcome a seventh prime minister to Downing Street.
