British prime ministers are not lasting their full term these days. But one member of the prime ministerial household is staying put even if the principal resident of 10 Drowning Street, the centuries old official address of the British prime minister is gone after sometime after his arrival; it is Larry the Cat.
Born January, 2007, Larry a domestic cat is a civil servant. He has served as the Chief Mouser of 10 Drowning Street since 2011.
He has outlasted six prime ministers. Political leaders have marched in and out of the historic black door but Larry remains in place to greet the next prime minister.
By the way, he is not the personal property of the prime minister. But like prime minister of United Kingdom, he is cared for by the Downing Street staff.
Larry has achieved what six prime ministers failed to attain-continuity. The dichotomy between the job of a prime minister and the Mouser lies in job security.
His duty is to catch mice and small pests. But he has acted beyond it, greeting guests, inspecting security and testing antique furniture for napping quality.
The prime minister leads a glass bowl existence. If he slips up in any of his duties, his party and the Opposition ensures that he is removed.
If Larry fails to catch mouse, it is quickly pointed out his napping abilities are superior to his hunting skills. Then he is forgiven and receives a bowl of treats instead of a rap on the knuckles nay paw.
He is onto his senior years. He is celebrated for his remarkable longevity and his ratings remain pristine.
Larry is of humble origins. Before staraying into the corridors of power, he was a stray in the streets of South London.
In 2011, he was adopted by prime minister David Cameron for a specific mission. It was tackling the rodent problem of the official residence of the British PM.
But the fact remains that killer Instinct is secondary to his habits of napping, sunbathing and wandering the halls. And he is very British.
Larry sports a Union Jack bow tie. And
he has met former US President Barack Obama, who looked down on him, Larry cannot be ignored.
He has his utility. Larry has brought moments of levity to some highly charged political environment.
