Could resident No10 cat also be chased out of Downing Street by Foreign Office rival?

FIRST David Cameron and now it seems Larry the cat could be chased out of Downing Street by a rival in the Foreign Office.

The beloved Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office was spotted early this morning outside No10 struggling with a “heavy limp” and his collar missing.

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The injury to his front right leg comes after a series of snarling scraps with neighbourhood rival Palmerston, resident cat of the Foreign Office. He has since been treated for his injuries by a vet and is understood to be on the mend.

Like his former master - who was ousted by the ambitions of new Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson - Larry could be driven out of Downing Street thanks to Palmerston's territorial ambitions.

Photographer Steve Back said: “He was limping really badly and couldn’t put his foot down. He was in a real state, No10 should really take him to a vet.

“It’s either the fox or Palmerston. Since Palmerston has arrived at the Foreign Office the two have had a few confrontations and I can safely say Palmerston is winning.

“Larry used to go over to Foreign Office regularly where it’s a bit cooler, but he doesn’t dare now.”

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Larry arrived in Downing Street in 2011 from Battersea Dogs and Cats home to rave reviews from No10 staff for his “high-chase drive and hunting instinct” and was dubbed a “good ratter”.

He was brought to the nation’s attention last week when David Cameron sought to quash rumours that he disliked Larry because he left cat hairs on his suit.

Larry also often came to blows with next-door neighbour No11’s resident cat Freya who was eventually exiled to the countryside.

Confessing his love for the tabby in his farewell PMQs, he held up a picture of the pair together before posting it to Twitter, saying: “Proof.”

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But Larry has endured a few torrid days since Mr Cameron’s departure.

After the two rescue cats squared off a few times in the lead-up to the ex PM’s departure, the pair engaged in a full-on brawl on Sunday with Palmerston coming out on top.

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“Palmerston has been testing Larry recently and he is definitely winning,” Mr Back added.

“He is certainly younger which gives him the upperhand.”

Palmerston was introduced to the Foreign Office earlier this summer.