Prime Minister Burnham's Dog Axel to Remain in Greater Manchester, Not Join Larry the Cat at No 10
Concerns over canine-feline cohabitation cited as bichon frise-poodle cross stays north, sparing Larry the Cat's 15-year tenure.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed his dog, Axel, a bichon frise-poodle cross, will remain in Greater Manchester and will not be moving to No 10 Downing Street.
Prime Minister Burnham declared the nation would not thank him if Axel disturbed Larry's world. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also claimed his rescue dog Axel would not get along with Larry.
Earlier, Larry the Cat posted a picture of himself confronting a police dog with his claws outside the gates of Number 10.
Burnham described Axel, a bich-poo or poochon, stating, "I think he’s going to have to stay up north I think, because he’s kind of got that angry little man thing going on. He’s got a bit of poodle in him."
Rishi Sunak also claimed Axel possessed 'that angry little man thing going on,' aligning with Burnham's assessment of the dog's temperament.
I think he’s going to have to stay up north I think, because he’s kind of got that angry little man thing going on. He’s got a bit of poodle in him.
This decision marks a continuation of a historical pattern where prime ministerial pets navigate the unique environment of Downing Street. This tradition dates back decades and involves a delicate balance of power.
Boris Johnson's dog Dilyn, a Jack Russell cross, previously resided at No. 10. The dynamic with Larry the Cat differed notably during Johnson's tenure.
Beyond the domestic arrangements, Prime Minister Burnham discussed personal reflections during a BBC interview. He touched upon his mother's reaction to his new role and the profound impact of his family.
He spoke of his father's Alzheimer's, noting, "My dad sadly has Alzheimer’s so couldn’t be there, so we just exchanged a few words about my dad and how proud he would be."
Burnham's mother greeted him in Downing Street after his appointment as Prime Minister. He described the moment as bittersweet.
He reflected on the collective effort behind his achievement, stating, "Yeah, that’s a little hard, but then again I’ve said it’s their achievement, it is both of their achievement, it’s my brother’s achievement, it’s community, people who know me have all contributed."
The Prime Minister added, "So, you know, the emotion of that moment was, well, bittersweet if you know what I mean, it was painful in one way, but beautiful in another."
Yeah, that’s a little hard, but then again I’ve said it’s their achievement, it is both of their achievement, it’s my brother’s achievement, it’s community, people who know me have all contributed. So, you know, the emotion of that moment was, well, bittersweet if you know what I mean, it was painful in one way, but beautiful in another.
The focus on Axel's temperament and Larry's long-standing presence highlights the public and political stakeholders' intense interest in the symbolic residents of Downing Street.
This decision ensures the established landscape of No. 10, with its feline chief mouser, remains undisturbed by a new canine presence. This preserves a tradition that has captivated the nation for over a decade since Larry's arrival in 2011.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak plans to work from No. 10 North at least once a week. This suggests a potential future for regional prime ministerial operations and a shift in the traditional centralized power structure.
This move could redefine the operational landscape of the Prime Minister's office. It decentralizes some functions and potentially sets a precedent for future administrations to engage more directly with different regions of the United Kingdom.
The historical context of Downing Street pets, from Gladstone's cats to the various dogs and cats that have graced its halls, underscores the enduring public fascination with these unofficial ambassadors.
Larry's tenure, now spanning three Prime Ministers, has solidified his role not just as a pet, but as a political institution. He remains a constant amidst the turbulent shifts of leadership.
The economic implications of such decisions, while seemingly minor, contribute to the broader narrative of public perception. They also factor into the symbolic capital invested in the image of Number 10.
Maintaining Larry's undisturbed reign is a strategic move. It acknowledges the public's affection and the political capital derived from his consistent, if sometimes feisty, presence.