Downing Street Cat Larry Snubs New Cabinet's Photo Attempts

Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, recently shared an amusing anecdote about Larry, the renowned feline resident of 10 Downing Street. Speaking at the CBI Scotland annual dinner in Glasgow, Murray revealed that the new Cabinet members were more excited about meeting Larry than the Prime Minister himself.

"Larry the cat is a little s---. So none of us got a picture with Larry the cat. Larry the cat is the most miserable animal you'll ever meet in your life. I'm not surprised given who he's had to live with for the last ten years."

Murray's colorful description of Larry's behavior highlights the cat's reputation for being uncooperative. This incident occurred shortly after Sir Keir Starmer's landslide victory in the general election held in July 2024.

Larry, a tabby and white cat, has been a constant presence at 10 Downing Street since February 2011. His official title is Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, a position that dates back to the 1500s. At 17 years old, Larry has now served under six Prime Ministers, including Lord Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and now Sir Keir Starmer.

Interestingly, Larry's popularity often surpasses that of the politicians he serves. A recent poll showed him to be significantly more favored than both Sir Keir and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This feline celebrity has even been featured on commemorative coins and has met various world leaders visiting Downing Street.

Despite his sometimes grumpy demeanor, Larry has captured the hearts of the British public. His unofficial Twitter account boasts over 800,000 followers, and there's even a children's book series based on his adventures.

However, Larry's reign as the sole feline in Downing Street may be challenged. Sir Keir has brought along his family's rescue cat, JoJo, and has also purchased a Siberian kitten for his children. This new feline dynamic adds an interesting twist to life at Number 10.

Murray's encounter with Larry wasn't his only unsuccessful attempt to interact with the famous cat. On July 16, 2024, nearly two weeks after the election, Murray was photographed trying and failing to pet Larry outside 10 Downing Street. The incident, which left Murray "clutching air," was shared on Larry's social media account with the playful caption: "Nothing personal Ian, @peterkyle dared me."

Despite these setbacks, Murray remains determined, stating, "I won't stop trying to pet you regardless of how much you play hard to get." This persistence reflects the enduring fascination with Larry, whose care is funded by Downing Street staff rather than taxpayers, adding to his charm as a beloved national figure.