UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed on July 27, 2026, that his family dog, Axel, will remain in northern England rather than relocating to Downing Street to avoid conflict with Larry, the famous resident cat of No 10.
Speaking during his first major BBC broadcast interview, Burnham explained that the pet—a bichon frise-poodle cross adopted around 10 years ago after spending 12 days at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury—would likely clash with the 15-year-old chief mouser.
The prime minister humorously noted his dog's personality when discussing the decision to keep the rescue pet in the north.
"I think he's going to have to stay up north I think, because he's kind of got that angry little man thing going on.
He's got a bit of poodle in him," said Burnham.
He further elaborated on the breed and potential tension between the animals.
"He's a bich-poo, I think they call it - or a poochon - whatever the phrase is.
And, yeah, he wouldn't get on with Larry, let me put it that way, and I don't think the nation would thank me, would they, if I brought Axel down to disturb Larry's world?
So I think he's staying up here," said Burnham.
During the interview, Burnham also reflected on entering Downing Street alongside his family and shared the emotional moment he experienced with his mother upon becoming prime minister.
"Oh, goodness, I could tell you so much there, but I won't tell you all of it.
But I'm very close to my mum, you know, I think you know that, and my dad too," said Burnham.
He added that his father was unable to attend due to health conditions, making the occasion a poignant memory for his family.
"My dad sadly has Alzheimer's so couldn't be there, so we just exchanged a few words about my dad and how proud he would be," said Burnham.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to those who supported his journey to office.
"Yeah, that's a little hard, but then again I've said it's their achievement, it is both of their achievement, it's my brother's achievement, it's community, people who know me have all contributed," said Burnham.
Burnham concluded his remarks by describing the complex feelings surrounding his arrival at the official residence.
"So, you know, the emotion of that moment was, well, bittersweet if you know what I mean, it was painful in one way, but beautiful in another," said Burnham.
