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Larry the Cat Celebrates 15 Years as Downing Street's Chief Mouser

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. s-15-years-as-downing-street-s-chief-mouser.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 20:44 GMT by The Financial Express
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - February 17th, 2026 - Today marks a remarkable milestone for one of the United Kingdom's most unlikely political fixtures: Larry, the Downing Street cat, celebrates his 15th anniversary in office. While his job description officially focuses on pest control, Larry has transcended his role as Chief Mouser to become an internet sensation and, increasingly, a symbol of enduring stability in a period of unprecedented political flux.

Brought into 10 Downing Street in February 2011, Larry arrived with a practical purpose - to address a burgeoning mouse problem. However, it quickly became apparent that his charm and photogenic qualities were far more valuable than his hunting prowess. In the ensuing years, Larry has navigated the shifting sands of British politics with a stoic grace that many of his human counterparts have lacked. He has outlasted thirteen Prime Ministers, a statistic frequently highlighted by amused social media users who hail him as the UK's "most stable figure."

The sheer rate of change in leadership over the past fifteen years is staggering. From David Cameron's initial term to the current administration led by Prime Minister Anya Sharma, the UK has experienced a period of intense political volatility, punctuated by Brexit, coalition governments, and frequent leadership challenges. Throughout it all, Larry has remained a constant, a furry face greeting visiting dignitaries and offering a calming presence to stressed-out ministers.

Larry's rise to prominence is inextricably linked to the rise of social media. His official Twitter account, @Number10cat, boasting over 2.3 million followers, provides a humorous and often insightful glimpse into his daily life. Updates range from detailed reports on napping locations ("Prime position on the red sofa - 5/5, highly recommend") to observations on the comings and goings of political figures. The account is managed by the Downing Street communications team, leveraging Larry's popularity to soften the often-stern image of government.

"We recognized early on the potential for Larry to connect with the public in a way that traditional political messaging couldn't," explains Sarah Jenkins, Head of Digital Communications at Downing Street. "He's relatable, he's funny, and he's completely apolitical. In a highly polarized environment, that's a powerful combination."

But Larry's influence extends beyond mere entertainment. Political analysts suggest that his enduring presence provides a subconscious sense of continuity and normalcy during times of upheaval. Dr. Emily Carter, a Professor of Political Psychology at the London School of Economics, explains, "Humans crave stability. When everything else is changing, having a consistent element, even something seemingly trivial like a cat, can be incredibly reassuring. Larry has become a symbol of that stability, a reassuring constant in a chaotic world."

The longevity of Larry's tenure also raises interesting questions about the nature of political 'success'. While Prime Ministers rise and fall based on election results and policy decisions, Larry's success is measured in years of service and a consistently high approval rating. This ironic contrast has not been lost on the British public, and Larry's image is often used in satirical commentary on the state of UK politics.

Looking ahead, the question remains: how much longer will Larry remain in Downing Street? While his age is a topic of occasional speculation (he's believed to be around 15 years old in human terms, making him quite senior for a cat), officials insist he's in good health and continues to perform his duties diligently. Rumors of a potential successor have circulated, but the public remains fiercely protective of their beloved Chief Mouser. For now, Larry the Cat continues to reign supreme as the most stable figure in British politics, a purr-manent resident of 10 Downing Street and a testament to the enduring power of feline charm.