Meet Larry, the feline celebrity with the official title of Chief Mouser, who’s been keeping a keen eye on the happenings at Downing Street for over a decade. Larry has witnessed the departure of three leaders and is gearing up to welcome a fourth, set to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“Like all prime ministers, he’s only a temporary resident of Downing Street. I live here permanently. When he finally goes, I stay,” declares Larry, or so says his unofficial Twitter account, which has become quite the sensation.
Larry’s journey at Downing Street began when he was brought from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 by then Prime Minister David Cameron. Amid political turmoil, Larry has provided Britons with a dose of stability, stealing the show by standing in front of the Downing Street door, often surrounded by photographers waiting for politicians.
“He lets the police officers guarding the building open the door for him so he can chase pigeons. He also enjoys stretching out on a window sill in the sun, in what is often a welcomed distraction from political pronouncements,” says Larry’s social media spokesperson.
But Larry isn’t just a photogenic pet; he’s a social media sensation. With nearly 650,000 Twitter followers, Larry’s account has a wider reach than either of the contenders to replace Johnson. The mysterious person behind Larry’s account believes that cats and politics make a compelling mix on the internet.
Posts on Larry’s account are often critical of leadership or provide a humorous take on the day’s issues, matching prime ministerial statements with pictures of Larry or cat memes.
“Larry has lived with three Prime Ministers, and all have had their faults, but Boris Johnson was always destined to fail in this role due to his character flaws,” notes the account holder.
Truss, one of the contenders to replace Johnson, has attempted to befriend Larry. “I’m one of his preferred Cabinet Ministers,” she claims. Larry, at 15 years old, seems to be in good shape and may potentially see another leader, as a general election is due within two years.
However, if Larry passes away, the Twitter account will go with him. For now, Larry’s day-to-day responsibilities include contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy at Number 10, with officials acknowledging the ongoing “tactical planning stage.” Larry’s presence continues to add a unique and amusing touch to the political scene at Downing Street.
