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British PM, Downing St cat ‘get on purr-fectly’
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British Prime Minister David Cameron’s office denied yesterday that his family has no love for Larry, the Downing Street cat.
Following claims in a book that Cameron acquiring the moggy was little more than a public relations stunt, a “savelarry” hashtag began trending on Twitter.
Downing Street dismissed suggestions in journalist Matthew d’Ancona’s book on Cameron’s coalition government, “In It Together,” that Larry was an unloved pet.
A spokesman said: “Totally untrue. He is very popular with everyone in the building and we all get on purr-fectly well.”
Larry was acquired in 2011 after a rat was spotted in two television news bulletins scurrying around outside the door of the prime minister’s residence in central London.
But his efficiency has been regularly called into question and it took him a few months to make his first confirmed kill.
Reports say he’s more interested in snoozing than putting the frighteners on rodents.
The Downing Street website says Larry has “captured the hearts of the Great British public and the press teams often camped outside the front door. In turn the nation sends him gifts and treats daily.
“Larry spends his days greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality.
“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.’”
There have been cats in Downing Street since the 1920s, with some on the payroll.
The legendary Humphrey was a stray who took up residence under prime minister Margaret Thatcher and outstayed John Major. Tony Blair swiftly sent Humphrey into retirement in 1997 amid speculation that his wife Cherie forced him out.
While Humphrey received 100 pounds (US$160) a year from the Cabinet Office budget, Larry’s upkeep is paid for by Downing Street staff.
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