Play Brightcove video
David Cameron’s government admitted there was an issue with rats in their 18th century workplace and sought the help of a cat from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, ITV News Political Correspondent Harry Horton reports
Larry the Cat celebrates 15 years as Downing Street’s chief mouser on Sunday.
The 19-year-old tabby is serving his sixth prime minister, having survived a decade of political turbulence in the UK government.
A senior government source told ITV News Larry would be enjoying “extra treats” as he marked a decade and a half in his job.
His minders say he’s still fit and healthy, despite his old age, and was still seen catching mice as recently as last year.
Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.
Larry was adopted by Number 10 Downing Street in 2011 after viewers of ITV News at Ten highlighted repeated appearances of rodents behind reporters during live broadcasts.
David Cameron’s government admitted there was an issue with rats in their 18th century workplace and sought the help of a cat from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Larry the cat arriving at No 10 on February 15, 2011 from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Credit: AP
Staff at Battersea described Larry as a “bit of a bruiser” – and after moving to Downing Street he quickly developed a reputation for catching more than just mice.
Other Whitehall cats, pigeons and even foxes have been known to engage in fights with Larry over the years. None have ever been known to come off better.
Justin Ng has been photographing Larry for more than a decade and has developed a close friendship with the cat.
“He’s very happy with people who know him, but people who he’s not so familiar with, he’s a bit more standoffish,” he says.
When world leaders visit the prime minister, the teams of foreign journalists are often just as interested in capturing pictures of the Larry as they are politicians – and Larry is more than happy to oblige.
Larry strolls by as Keir Starmer greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Credit: AP
“He’s a big ham,” says Justin Ng. “He loves to pose. And he’ll basically try and upstage whoever’s on the carpet or on the door. Photobombing is his passion when world leaders are in town.”
Each year Justin sells hundreds of calendars, mugs and cushions adorned with pictures of Larry to fans around the world. “It’s almost like it’s a movie star, someone famous. But it’s Larry.”
To those worried about Larry’s longevity – Justin says he’s still got plenty of life in him.
“His fur is probably showing his age. But you know, he’s quite sprightly. He jumps up and down, comes to see me and he jumps up on the ledge. So I know from that that he’s fine and he likes to patrol around.”
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…
