Major Is Out But Humphrey Stays On
Humphrey, the Downing Street cat, came out of hiding today to reclaim his
territory after the general election. Sniffing the air cautiously he emerged from
somewhere close to the Whips Office at Number 12 and slipped swiftly towards the warm grilles outside Number 10.
Halfway across he realised that the massed ranks to television and
photographers were still encamped. Ignoring cries of "Humphrey, Humphrey! Come here puss", he decided he was making no comment and definitely not posing for pictures.
But, before he could skulk off round the back of the house there was outrage
as a cheerful policeman swept him into his arms and carried him protesting back
to the famous black door.
Clearly feeling that impromptu photocalls are beneath the dignity of a moggie
who has appeared on the Cabinet Office Christmas card he turned his back and
swished his tail as camera motor-drives whirred and flashguns flared.
He has had a privileged existence enjoying regular tins of cat-food at Number
11 from Gillian Clarke, wife of the former Chancellor of the Exchequer. His future at Number 10 could be in doubt. Cherie Blair has made it known she thinks cats are unhygienic.
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