Rishi Sunak’s dog has ‘heated exchanges’ with Larry the cat at Downing Street

Larry the cat is often seen strutting around Downing Street, eager to show who’s boss.

The animal was photographed perched in front of the black gate marking its territory, but many wonder how it behaves inside.

Now Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murty, 43, has revealed “heated exchanges” took place between him and their family’s ginger Labrador retriever Nova – and Larry won the argument.

Offering a rare insight into life in Number 10, she told Sky Kids show FYI: “Nova has mixed emotions about (living here) because she sometimes doesn’t get on with Larry the cat .

“And they had some heated exchanges and Larry came out on top.

“So she might have mixed opinions about life here. But you know, our family is very grateful to be here.

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Larry has lived at No10 for 12 years, accompanying five prime ministers – David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Mr Sunak – through the political turmoil of the last decade.

But Nova isn’t the first prime minister’s family pet to enter Larry’s playground, as Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie had a Jack Russell called Dilyn, who was rescued from a puppy farm.