Political Animals

Larry the cat, chiefmouser of Downing Street and national treasure, has seen off six PrimeMinisters so far. He is, however, only one of a long line of political animalsat the seats of government on both sides of the Atlantic. From pandas andplatypuses to Labradors and lions, animals have long shored up peace betweenrivals, clinched election campaigns, caused divisions within parties and lefttheir unique calling cards in the halls of power. Journalist and former specialadviser Peter Cardwell traces the political (and not-so-political) adventuresof these fascinating pets from Tudor times to No. 10’s newest rescue dog. Drawing on exclusive interviews with Washington and Westminster insiders,including four Prime Ministers, Cardwell reveals never-before-heard tales ofpolitical pets and provides fresh insight into the enduring relationshipsbetween those in government and their furry friends. Featuring new candidconversations with Theresa May on living with Larry and Sir Gavin Williamson onCronus the tarantula’s web of influence, this paperback edition is an essentialupdate on the lives, losses and shenanigans of this colourful cast of characters.