Larry (cat)

Larry
Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office
Assumed office
15 February 2011
Serving with Freya (2012–2014)
Monarch Elizabeth II
Prime Minister David Cameron
Theresa May
Preceded by Sybil
Personal details
Residence 10 Downing Street
Occupation Mouser
Awards Blue plaque at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, 2012
Gender Male

Larry is the 10 Downing Street cat and is Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. Larry is a brown and white tabby, believed to have been born in January 2007. By July 2016, when Theresa May became Prime Minister, Larry had developed a reputation of being "violent" in his interactions with other local mousers, namely the Foreign Office's much younger cat Palmerston.[1]

Official duties

The Downing Street website describes Larry's duties as "greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences, and testing antique furniture for napping quality". It also states that Larry is "contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house" and says that he has told Downing Street that such a solution is still in the "tactical planning stage".[2]

Unlike his predecessors since 1929, Larry's upkeep is funded by the staff of 10 Downing Street.[3] Fund-raising events to pay for his food are believed to have included a quiz night for Downing Street staff held in the state rooms.[4]

Arrival at Downing Street

Larry is a rescued stray cat from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who was chosen by Downing Street staff.[5] In 2011 he replaced the previous Downing Street cat Sybil, who died in 2009. Larry was intended to be a pet for the children of David and Samantha Cameron,[6] and was described by Downing Street sources as a "good ratter" and as having "a high chase-drive and hunting instinct".[7] In 2012, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home revealed that Larry's popularity had resulted in a surge of 15% more people adopting cats.[8]

Soon after he was taken in at Downing Street, a story ran in the press claiming that Larry was a lost cat and that the original owner had started a campaign to retrieve him.[9][10] However, the story was later revealed to be a hoax, and no such owner nor campaign existed.[11]

Work as Chief Mouser

Within a month of his arrival at Downing Street, anonymous sources described Larry as having "a distinct lack of killer instinct."[12] Larry made his first kill – a mouse – on 22 April 2011.[13] Later that year was revealed that Larry was spending more time sleeping than hunting for mice, and spending time in the company of a female cat, Maisie.[14] At one point in 2011, mice were so endemic in Downing Street that the Prime Minister resorted to throwing a fork at a mouse during a Cabinet dinner.[14] On 28 August 2012 Larry made his first killing of a mouse in public, dropping the creature on the lawn in front of Number 10.[15]

In 2012 Larry was reported to have been sacked and replaced by George Osborne's cat Freya.[16] Larry shared the role of Chief Mouser with Freya until her departure from Downing Street in 2014.

In October 2013 Larry caught four mice in two weeks and one staff member had rescued a mouse from Larry's clutches.[17]

In July 2015, George Osborne and Cabinet Office Minister Matthew Hancock cornered a mouse in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's office, trapping it in a brown paper sandwich bag. The press joked that the Chancellor of the Exchequer might take over the Chief Mouser position.[18]

David Cameron explained during his final Prime Minister's Questions in 2016 that Larry is a civil servant and not personal property, so would not leave Downing Street after a change of premier.[19] The Labour Party has confirmed that in the event a Labour government, Larry would remain as Chief Mouser.[20]

In July 2016, Larry was given odds to outlast Theresa May at Downing Street.[21]

Relationships with politicians

Larry with Rt Hon David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Barack Obama, President of the United States.

David Cameron has said that Larry is a "bit nervous" around men, speculating that, since Larry was a rescue cat, this may be due to negative experiences in his past. Cameron mentioned that US President Barack Obama is an apparent exception to this fear: he said, "Funnily enough he liked Obama. Obama gave him a stroke and he was all right with Obama."[22]

In September 2013, tensions were reportedly growing between Cameron and Larry.[23] It was reported that Cameron objected to cat hair on his suit, and the smell of cat food had to be disguised by air freshener when Downing Street had visitors. The Camerons were said not to like Larry, amid suggestions that the pet was a public relations prop. Cameron posted to Twitter saying that he and Larry got on "purr-fectly well".[23] Nevertheless, bookmakers Ladbrokes made Cameron the odds-on (1/2) favourite to leave Downing Street first, with Larry as the 6/4 outsider. The Daily Telegraph suggested that Cameron never really liked cats but that spin doctors believed Larry could make the PM appear more friendly.[24] When leaving office in 2016, Cameron spoke of his "sadness" that he could not take Larry with him.[25][26] When Theresa May became Prime Minister in 2016, there were concerns that Larry was stressed and could be missing the Cameron family.[27]

In August 2016, Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, responded to controversy over favoritism in Cameron's Dissolution Honours List by joking that he was "surprised Larry the cat didn’t get one".[28]

Relationships with other animals

In June 2012, George Osborne was reunited with his long lost cat Freya,[29][30] who moved into 11 Downing Street. Freya and Larry were reported to have rapidly established cordial relations,[29] although the two cats had been seen fighting.[31] Freya was reported to be the more dominant cat and more effective mouser, reportedly because her days as a stray had "hardened" her.[32] In November 2014, Freya left Downing Street, leaving Larry with the sole mousing responsibility.[33]

In 2014 Osborne brought in a pet dog, Lola. Aides announced that Lola got on well with both Larry and Freya.[34]

In April 2016, a new feline neighbour, Palmerston, moved into the Foreign Office.[35] The two cats fought on numerous occasions.[27] The Leader of the House commented that he hoped that Palmerston and Larry would establish a "modus vivendi".[36] In July of that year, Palmerston entered Number 10 and had to be forcibly evicted by security staff.[37] In September 2016, Lord Blencathra, submitted a question in the House of Lords of why the government did not pay for Larry's veterinary bill for an injury picked up in a fight against Palmerston, and whether the government would refund civil servants who paid for Larry's care.[38] Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen, the government’s spokesman in the Lords, said: "The costs were met by staff through voluntary staff donations due to their affection for Larry."

On 1 August 2016, according to the political photographer, Mr Beck, Larry had his "most brutal fight yet" with Palmerston on the steps of Number 10.[39] During the fight Larry lost his collar, whilst Palmerston suffered from several deep scratches and a badly cut ear.[39]

In August 2016, it emerged the Cabinet Office were considering also appointing another Chief Mouser to deal with their mouse problem. The Chief Whip, Gavin Williamson, said that the cat would be called Cromwell.[37]

Territory

10 Downing Street, Larry's official residence and place of work

In 2011 Larry was banned from the Prime Minister's quarters in 10 Downing Street as his fur was ruining the Prime Minister's fresh suits.[40]

Former deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has described an internal Downing Street security door which requires microphone contact for access as being increasingly "not for security, but to keep the cats out from one end of the building to another".[41] In February 2013, a cat-proof barrier was erected to prevent Larry and his neighbour Freya from getting into the Foreign Office, after complaints from staff members with allergies.[42] William Hague later asked that the barrier be taken down.[42]

In December 2015 former Home Secretary David Blunkett suggested that Larry should be asked to increase his responsibilities to include the Palace of Westminster, which at the time was being overrun by rodents.[43]

Awards and recognition

Larry was honoured with a blue plaque at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in October 2012.[44]

A book, written in character as Larry, Larry Diaries: Downing Street – the First 100 Days by former Guardian journalist James Robinson was published in 2011.[8] A picture gallery to celebrate Larry's first two years in office was produced by The Daily Telegraph.[45]

In 2012, Larry was visible on the Google Street View of Number 10, asleep next to the door.[46]

Larry's exploits and observations on life at Number 10 became the subject of a weekly cartoon in The Sunday Express drawn by cartoonist Ted Harrison.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Horton, H. (July 13, 2016). "Larry vs Palmerston is the real fight in Westminster". The Telegraph. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  2. ↑ "History: 10 Downing Street". Gov.UK. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  3. ↑ Prince, Rosa (15 February 2011). "Larry the cat is installed as Downing Street Chief Mouser". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  4. ↑ Maev Kennedy (7 September 2011). "Larry the cat fundraiser quiz night to be held at No 10". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  5. ↑ Glen Oglaza "The Cat's Whiskers", Sky News, 15 February 2011.
  6. ↑ "Larry the No 10 cat drafted in as official rat catcher of Downing Street", Daily Mail (website), 15 February 2011.
  7. ↑ "Larry the cat to join David Cameron in Downing Street". BBC News. 15 February 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  8. 1 2
  9. ↑ Nissim, Mayer (23 February 2011). "David Cameron 'stole cat for Number 10'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  10. ↑ "But that's my auntisurrey universitye's cat: Man's claim on 'stray' No 10 ratcatcher (… and there's a Facebook campaign to get him back)". Daily Mail. London. 23 February 2011. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  11. ↑ Lewis, Paul (23 February 2011). "Churnalism or news? How PRs have taken over the media". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  12. ↑ Prince, Rosa (28 February 2011). "Downing Street defends Larry the cat from anonymous briefing". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 28 February 2011.
  13. ↑ Stratton, Allegra (24 April 2011). "Politics,UK news". The Guardian. London.
  14. 1 2 "Downing Street cat Larry caught napping". BBC News. 15 November 2011.
  15. ↑ "Larry the Downing Street cat finally kills first rodent". ITV News. 28 August 2012.
  16. ↑ "Larry the Downing Street cat sacked as Number 10's chief mouse catcher after chillaxing too much on the job". Daily Mail. London. 16 September 2012.
  17. ↑ McSmith, Andy (18 October 2013). "Andy McSmith's Diary: Even Larry the cat is not safe from factions in Downing Street". The Independent. London.
  18. ↑ "2 senior UK ministers hunt down rat during budget meeting". dna. 5 July 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  19. ↑ David Millward (9 August 2016). "David Cameron should save Larry the cat from his lonely life in Downing Street". Daily Telegraph.
  20. ↑ "Commons Confidential: endangered cats, rebellious Scots and the battle for the Edstone". Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  21. ↑ "Downing Street TURF WAR: Larry the Cat limping after scrap with Boris Johnson's Palmerston". 21 July 2016.
  22. ↑ "Number 10 cat Larry catches three mice". BBC News. 20 June 2011. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
  23. 1 2 Chorley, Matt (28 September 2013). "'We get on purr-fectly': Cameron insists he is feline fine about Larry the Cat amid rumours he is not welcome in Number 10". Daily Mail. London.
  24. ↑ James Kirkup (12 July 2016). "David Cameron's worst lie is finally revealed: Larry the cat". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 July 2016.
  25. ↑ Steven Swinford (13 July 2016). "David Cameron: I do love Larry the cat and I can prove it". Daily Telegraph.
  26. ↑ Heather Saul (13 July 2016). "David Cameron: The surprising description of him that he 'hated'". The Independent.
  27. 1 2 "Larry the cat makes Whitehall comeback after vet repairs his battle wounds".
  28. ↑ "People are outraged Larry the Cat isn't on David Cameron's honours list".
  29. 1 2 Walters, Simon (23 June 2012). "Chancellor George Osborne reunited with fat cat Freya who disappeared three years ago". Daily Mail. London.
  30. ↑ Bond, Anthony (11 July 2012). "Freya the cat prowls Downing Street for the first time... and there's no sign of a scrap with the Prime Minister's pet Larry". Daily Mail. London.
  31. ↑ Prince, Rosa (16 October 2012). "Police called to break up violent cat fight in Downing Street". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  32. ↑ Parkinson, Justin (16 October 2012). "Downing Street denies Cameron and Osborne cat feud". BBC News. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  33. ↑ Lizzie Dearden (9 November 2014). "George Osborne's family cat Freya sent away from Downing Street to Kent". The Independent. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  34. ↑ Abraham, Tamara; Barrow, Becky (3 February 2014). "Stand-off in Downing Street: Chancellor tweets picture of his new puppy and family cat in power struggle". Daily Mail. London.
  35. ↑ Helena Horton (13 April 2016). "Palmerston the cat arrives for work at the Foreign Office". The Telegraph. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  36. ↑ "Limping Larry the cat treated by vet amid 'fracas' with rival Palmerston".
  37. 1 2 Hornton, H. (August 3, 2016). "Cabinet office 'to appoint cat called Cromwell as Chief Mouser'". The Telegraph. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Fur flies in the House of Lords as peer asks: 'Who pays for Larry the Cat?'".
  39. 1 2 "Number 10 cat Larry loses collar in 'most brutal fight yet' with Foreign Office's Palmerston".
  40. ↑ McConnell, Mary (28 December 2011). "The one who hasn't got the cream: Larry the Downing Street cat barred from Cameron's new apartment". Daily Mail. London.
  41. ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/27/there-is-a-special-door-for-cats-in-downing-street-nick-clegg-co/
  42. 1 2 Evans, Becky (21 February 2013). "Foreign Office goes on the defensive against No10 as it installs plastic 'riot shield' to stop Larry the cat from getting into building". Daily Mail. London.
  43. ↑ PoliticsHome.com (24 December 2015). "Downing Street cat Larry needed to tackle Parliament's rodent problem, says David Blunkett". Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  44. ↑ "The home where the only pay is happiness". The Daily Telegraph. London. 14 October 2012.
  45. ↑ "In pictures: David Cameron's cat – Larry, Chief Mouser of Downing Street". The Daily Telegraph. London. 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  46. ↑ Whittaker, Zack (30 July 2012). "Google Street View pays visit to U.K. prime minister". CNET. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
Vacant
Title last held by
Sybil		 Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office
2011–present
With: Freya
2012–2014		 Incumbent
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