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FLOWER POWER

OAP’s gift of flowers for Larry the cat sparks security fears by staff who refused to believe it was genuine

She wanted to show her appreciation for the "job he does" as Chief Mouser

Larry

LARRY the cat has become the bastion of calm during turbulent political times, and an admirer of his caused quite a stir when the flowers she sent him sparked a security alert.

The Chief Mouser of Number 10 Downing Street is often seen prowling the street in front of reporters and even got a mention from former Prime Minister David Cameron in his final parliamentary speech.

 The animal was rescued from Battersea in 2011
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The animal was rescued from Battersea in 2011Credit: AP

One of his biggest fans, Hampshire pensioner Hazel Ross, sent him a delivery of flowers to Number 10 to show her appreciation for "the job he does", which was refused by staff amid security fears.

The delivery came after Cameron had delivered his closing speech in the House of Commons on the day he would hand over the reins to new Prime Minister Theresa May.

He expressed his "love" for the cat and had even brought along a picture of Larry sitting in his lap to prove how he felt about the mouser.

 David Cameron held up a picture of himself with Larry the cat and told MPs he would be staying at No10
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David Cameron held up a picture of himself with Larry the cat and told MPs he would be staying at No10Credit: PA
 He then tweeted the picture of himself with the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office to prove that he does indeed "love" the cat
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He then tweeted the picture of himself with the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office to prove that he does indeed "love" the catCredit: PA

Larry often provides light-hearted moments as the media gathers to await key speeches or appearances from the Prime Minister and other ministers, and it has been confirmed he will stay on in his role as Chief Mouser under the new leader of the country.

Mrs Ross, from Warsach, told the Daily Echo: "I've loved watching him sitting there as all the important people pass him and always wonder what he is thinking.

"I am a cat lover and I thought he needs to be recognised for the job he does."

She sent a £55 mixed bouquet of pink roses, white peonies with hydrangeas and shamrocks.

The 77-year-old wrote a message to go with the flowers which read: "Larry, hoping that you will like your new visitors. Love Hazel xx."

The gift was initially refused by staff but after a second attempt at delivery they were convinced it was a genuine gift, and not a security risk.

A Downing Street spokesman told the paper: "Larry is much loved by everybody at Number 10.

 Larry the Downing Street cat lays on the pavement, in central London, in between prowling the corridors of the famous building
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Larry the Downing Street cat lays on the pavement, in central London, in between prowling the corridors of the famous buildingCredit: Reuters

"We're sure he will be delighted by this kind gesture."

 Theresa May's office confirmed Larry the cat would still be staying on as Chief Mouser after the Cameron's depart
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Theresa May's office confirmed Larry the cat would still be staying on as Chief Mouser after the Cameron's departCredit: Reuters

The present was organised by Marcel Kralt after Mrs Ross requested the delivery, he said: "I couldn't believe it.

"It is one of our most unusual requests. But everybody has things they love and some love animals very much."

Larry famously entered rodent infested Downing Street in 2011, a year after David Cameron became PM.

Tabby Larry was rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Homes in London, but he is famed for actually being terrible at his job of catching mice.


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