Number 10 cat will smell a rat

An unusual new recruit is starting work at Downing Street – after the Prime Minister gave the nod to taking on a rat-catching cat.

Speculation had been rife that a feline weapon would be taken on after a rodent was spotted scuttling past live TV cameras twice last month.

The exact identity of the four-legged deterrent was being kept under wraps but was reported to be a tabby named Larry from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

It is the first such official appointment since stalwart ratter Humphrey was retired in 1997, shortly after Tony Blair arrived in Downing Street.

“I can confirm that we are getting a cat,” a Number 10 spokesman said.