Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

David Cameron faces backlash over leaving Larry the cat in Downing Street

The Camerons previously fended off claims they do not like the feline

Jess Staufenberg
Tuesday 12 July 2016 11:08 EDT
Comments
Not everyone is convinced Larry the mouser at Downing Street should be left behind
Not everyone is convinced Larry the mouser at Downing Street should be left behind

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

David Cameron is facing one final challenge to his decisions while Prime Minister in the form of Larry the cat.

British voters have voiced their disappointment after it was reported the outgoing premier would not be taking Number 10's resident feline to his new family home.

Larry, who has been the official mouser at with the Cameron family for six years, is understood to be staying behind to welcome new occupant, Theresa May.

The news prompted anger among some social media users.

Larry was brought to Downing Street one year after the Camerons moved in in 2010.

Matthew d'Ancona once asserted in his biography of Mr Cameron, In It Together, that the Camerons found Larry annoying owing to his lazy attitude towards rodents - and that he was little more than a public relations ploy.

Having charitably been given a second chance when he was taken from Battersea Dogs And Cats Home in 2011, the cat only recorded one kill in his first year in residence..

His normally nonchalant approach to the mouse problem in Downing Street had led to speculation that his days there might be numbered.

Other reports have suggested Mr Cameron privately admits he is a "dog man".

Yet claims were quickly quashed, with claims from a spokesperson that everyone in the house got on "purrrfectly well".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in