If anyone has been a pillar of stability in the last 14 years of upheaval in British politics, it’s Larry, her cat Downing Street.

And now, with parliamentary elections looming on July 4, the old cat may welcome its sixth prime minister.

Already, Larry has met five Conservative prime ministers and – if the polls are to be confirmed – he will soon meet the first Labor prime minister in his life.

The departure of outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also mean the departure of the Prime Minister’s labrador, Nova. Not that Larry will care.

According to Sunak’s wife, Aksata Murthy, the two had some “heated arguments”. Of course Larry always prevailed.

Labor leader Keir Starmer recently told the BBC that his family has a cat, Jojo, who is spoiled more by his children than he is.

They also have a hamster, Bear, as he told the Metro newspaper. But it remains to be seen whether either pet — or both — will move to Downing Street should he win the election.

Larry passionately defends his territory, often fighting to get the better of his rival in the Foreign Office, Palmerston the cat.

Finally the enemy retreated to the countryside.

Some foxes that appeared in the capital and some unsuspecting pigeons were chased away without a second word, although a winged interloper escaped its clutches at the last moment with reporters watching in horror.

Longevity

Larry made his Downing Street debut on 15 February 2011 after being adopted from a Battersea shelter in south London.

He was “recruited” by then Prime Minister David Cameron to rid the Prime Minister’s residence of mice, which is why he was given the official title of “Chief Mouse Hunter”.

However, with the exception of some early successes, his performance in this area has been rather lackluster.

Cameron himself tried to deny the rumors that they did not get along with Larry. Journalists, however, who cover political reporting, said from the beginning that Larry was very friendly with them

For the upcoming elections Larry has already posted his manifesto on his official social media account: @Number10cat.

“I am not voting in the parliamentary elections, but I will have to live with whoever you choose. No pressure,” said one of his posts after Sunak announced the May 22 election date.

“Whatever the outcome of the election, I’ll be here to control things,” wrote another.

Asked by AFP to mark the 10th anniversary of his arrival at the Prime Minister’s residence, Larry (via his social media handle) revealed the secret of his longevity: “The main thing to remember is that I I am a permanent resident here. Politicians just live with me for a while until they get fired. All of them realize, sooner or later, that I’m the one in charge in here.”