Political Animals
The secret life of the political pets of Westminster and Washington
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Biteback Publishing
Publishing:1st Sep '26
£12.99
This title is due to be published on 1st September, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
Larry the cat, chief mouser of Downing Street and national treasure, has seen off six Prime Ministers so far. He is, however, only one of a long line of political animals at the seats of government on both sides of the Atlantic.
From pandas and platypuses to Labradors and lions, animals have long shored up peace between rivals, clinched election campaigns, caused divisions within parties and left their unique calling cards in the halls of power. Journalist and former special adviser Peter Cardwell traces the political (and not-so-political) adventures of 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 of political pets and provides fresh insight into the enduring relationships between those in government and their furry friends.
Featuring new candid conversations with Theresa May on living with Larry and Sir Gavin Williamson on Cronus the tarantula’s web of influence, this paperback edition is an essential update on the lives, losses and shenanigans of this colourful cast of characters.
“If you want a friend in Westminster, get a dog. Every MP should remember that timeless truth – and then consult this treasure trove from the witty and well-connected Peter Cardwell for advice. Political books aren’t supposed to be this fun.” – Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator at The Times and co-author of Get In and Left Out
“As someone who proudly reported live on the arrival of Larry the cat in Downing Street, let me heartily recommend this warm and life-affirming book. Peter has always brought the human touch to politics and now he adds the feline and canine touch too. A joyous read.” – Chris Mason, political editor at BBC News
“This is such a joyful and detailed book: come for the pets and stay for the political history, insight and vignettes. Peter tells us about the workings of Whitehall through its furry inhabitants in a book with wonderful levels of access and humour.” – Isabel Hardman, assistant editor at The Spectator and author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians
“A treasure of a book – cute, smart and full of fabulous stories. Great fun from the first page to the last, showing how animals often behave with more dignity than the leaders they serve. At the end of this brilliant book I decided that pets aren’t an accessory for a politician – they’re a central part of the mission! This is for anyone who loves politics but loves their dog or cat even more.” – Jeremy Vine, television and radio presenter
“Paws for thought indeed! Who knew that a famous Prime Minister had two kangaroos, a leopard and a lion, or that a Downing Street press secretary was allergic to the PM’s cat and a former Cabinet minister wrote a poem in memory of his dog? Which world leader took his labrador to a meeting with Angela Merkel? And which party leader made a party political broadcast with his dogs? Truly an un-fur-gettable read!” – Jon Craig, chief political correspondent, Sky News
“You’ll purr with delight at Peter Cardwell’s heart-warming book of lively tales and frightful puns. In exploring politicians’ love for their pets, Cardwell achieves the seemingly impossible – he makes many of our leaders appear almost human.” – Michael Crick, journalist and broadcaster
ISBN: 9781837360710
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
304 pages