Key Points
- Larry the cat stole the show during Rishi Sunak's first address as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street.
- Larry was appointed as Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office in 2011, and has outlasted the last four prime ministers.
Prime ministers may come and go, but as the United Kingdom endures one of its most one constant has been a formerly stray cat.
On Tuesday, as the attention of many onlookers and journalists was focused on a tabby posing just metres away.
It wasn't just any cat though.
Larry - whose official title is Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office - has resided at 10 Downing Street for 11 years, making him a more permanent fixture than the past four prime ministers.
Throughout Larry's tenure, David Cameron, Theresa May,, and now Mr Sunak have all served as prime minister.
So, in the dramatic world of UK politics, how did Larry the cat become the one constant?
Who is Larry?
Larry is a brown and white tabby, who was chosen by staff at 10 Downing Street and adopted from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
In 2011, he became the first cat at 10 Downing Street to be bestowed with the official title Chief Mouser.
Larry the cat was appointed Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office in 2011. Source: AAP / TOLGA AKMEN
"Rishi Sunak is becoming prime minister. His family is loaded, so caviar and lobster on the menu for me from tomorrow," one tweet reads.
"Rishi Sunak is off to see the King; unclear if it's to be appointed prime minister or if Charles would like to borrow some money," another says.
According to the government website, Larry's skills have made a "significant impact".
"Larry spends his days greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality," the website says.
"His day-to-day responsibilities also include contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house.
"Larry says this is still 'in tactical planning stage'."
