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.
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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.
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