Office cat Palmerston retires after four years in Whitehall

 

FOREIGN Office chief mouser Palmerston is retiring after four years in Whitehall.

 The cat’s resignation statement said he intends to spend more time “away from the limelight” after enjoying “working from home”.

 Foreign Office cat Palmerston and chief mouser will be retiring after four years of service in WhitehallCredit: AP: Associated Press

 The letter was sent to Sir Simon McDonald, permanent under-secretary at the FO, who revealed it said: “I’ve found life away from the front line relaxed and easier.  My 105,000 Twitter followers show that even those with four legs and fur have a part to play in the UK’s global effort.  ”I have championed our work, built our relationships, and celebrated the diversity of our staff.”

 Sir Simon said: “He has enjoyed lockdown life in the countryside so much that he has decided to stay.”

 The 2016 arrival of Palmerston, a rescue cat from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, South London, prompted reports of a rivalry with Downing Street cat Larry.

But Palmerston will not be retiring completely at the end of the month as he stated he will “always be an ambassador for the UK”.

 FO staff paid tribute, with Caron Rohsler, high commissioner to the Maldives, tweeting from her embassy’s cat Miska.

 The note read: “Congratulations on your exemplary service and for furthering the cause of diversity.”