10 years in 10 Downing Street - more than most PMs

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Source: Wikipedia (Parrot of Doom) 

Larry, the No 10 cat, celebrates 10 years on the seat of power 

The popular tabby has seen off two prime ministers as well as numerous mice and birds 

Britain’s chief mouser is celebrating 10 years prowling the corridors of political power at No 10 Downing Street. 

This Monday marks 10 years since Larry the cat left Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for a new home with the prime minister. 

He was the first cat to hold the rat-catching portfolio since stalwart ratter Humphrey was retired in 1997. 

Lindsey Quinlan, from Battersea, said: “It seems like only yesterday that Larry came to our cattery as a stray in need of a home. I don’t think anyone back then could have imagined just how incredible his life would turn out to be. 

“Throughout his time at No 10, Larry has proved himself to not only be a brilliant ambassador for Battersea but also demonstrated to millions of people around the world how incredible rescue cats are. 

“His rags to riches tale is yet more proof of why all animals deserve a second chance – one minute they may be an overlooked stray on the streets, the next they could become one of the nation’s beloved political figures, with fans around the world.” 

During his tenure, Larry has been a trusted companion to three prime ministers, beginning with David Cameron. 

Despite rumours he disliked the feline, Mr Cameron, in his final speech to parliament, confirmed the pair were friends and said: “Sadly, I cannot take Larry with me – he belongs to the house and the staff love him very much, as do I.” 

Larry stayed on to offer his support to Theresa May and was notably caught live on camera being forcibly removed from his sunbathing spot and escorted away by security to ensure he would not upstage her outgoing announcement. 

The 14-year-old now works under Boris Johnson and in December 2020 was seen adding to the Brexit drama by - in a scuffle with a pigeon. 

The tabby stalked the bird outside the prime minister’s official residence as members of the press – who were waiting to hear from Johnson – watched on with their cameras poised. 

He has met a number of world leaders, including President Barack Obama who visited in 2011. Although Larry is normally unfriendly towards men, he did not appear to mind Obama. 

When the next US president, Donald Trump, visited in 2019, Larry was seen creating a potential security threat by taking his afternoon nap under Trump’s car. 

Even something as simple as getting caught in the rain was enough to melt the hearts of the nation, and in 2018 video of a damp Larry being escorted through the front door by a kind policeman went viral. 


A No 10 spokesperson said it was proud to support Battersea: “A much-beloved member of the No 10 team, Larry plays a vital role as chief mouser and in delighting staff and the public alike with his playful antics.”


Vocabulary:

see off -

 

 


yet more - 

 


scuffle - 


antics - 

Comments

Sir Joseph said…
Hi Graham,

A tabby, called Larry, lived like a stray animal in the streets of London. It liked freedom. It didn´t have to arrive home before 10 hours. But the life was very strong in the street because there were fewer mice. Then, Larry reckoned that it was better to live in a family and as it was in need of a home, it looked a cattery for. So, Larry got in Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. It behaved itself and it won the favour of Mr. Quinlan, who talked about it very well to the government of Mr. Cameron. Politician power at No 10 Downing Street asked Battersea for a good mouser and Mr. Quinlan chose Larry.

Since Larry took office, it was a trustworthy worker, it has been a trusted companion to three primer ministers, Mr. Cameron, Ms. May and Mr. Johnson, who never complained it. The feline hunts a lot of mice and some of pigeons to prepare its daily menu. It has proved that it is supporter of Mr. Trump, while it doesn´t mind Mr. Obama. It likes to walk soaked. Finally, it´s the employee more cheap of the British Government.

See you.
Sunday, 11 April, 2021
Graham said…
Evening J,

I would imagine more Brits could name the Downing Street cat than their local MP. Long live Larry!

A tabby called Larry lived as a stray on the streets of London. It liked freedom. It didn't have to be home by 10. But life was tough on the street because there weren't many mice. So Larry reckoned that it would be better to live in a family and as he was in need of a home, he looked for a cattery. So Larry got into Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. He behaved himself and it won the favour of Mr. Quinlan, who talked highly of him to the government of Mr. Cameron. The powers that be at No 10 asked Battersea for a good mouser and Mr. Quinlan chose Larry.

Since Larry took office, he has been a trustworthy worker, he has been a trusted companion to three primer ministers, Mr. Cameron, Ms. May and Mr. Johnson, all of whom never complained about him. The feline hunts a lot of mice and some pigeons to prepare his daily menu. He has proved that he is a supporter of Mr. Trump, and he doesn't mind Mr. Obama. He likes to walk soaked. Finally, he´s the cheapest employee of the British Government.


Monday, 12 April, 2021
Gus said…
Larry is a very lucky cat. He has moved from a hostel to 10 Downing Street, living alongside the Prime Minister and holding an important position. He is famous throughout the UK.
On the other hand, I wonder if he is missing his friends from the hostel and if he has a love life; because such an important cat must have a hard time finding couples of his category. Or perhaps this may not be of any importance among cats.
Wednesday, 09 June, 2021
Graham said…
Hello Goose :-)

Do you remember the expression - to get goosebumps?

Do you know the expression - to go/be on a wild-goose chase? What about - not say boo to a goose?


He has moved from a cat home / cattery to 10 Downing Street, living alongside the Prime Minister and holding an important position. He is famous throughout the UK.
On the other hand, I wonder if he is missing his friends from the cat home and if he has a love life; because such an important cat must have a hard time finding partners of his category. Or perhaps this may not be of any importance among cats.
Thursday, 10 June, 2021
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