Government cat Humphrey dies

[underpants]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060320/wl_uk_afp/britainpoliticsanimalshumphrey_060320134340

LONDON, March 20, 2006 (AFP) - Humphrey, the black and white cat who saw at close quarters the comings and goings of three leaders, has died, a spokesman for Prime Minister Tony Blair's London residence said Monday.



The moggy, age unknown, was adopted by staff at Number 10 Downing Street after wandering into the building as a stray in 1989 while former Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher was in power.

He stayed throughout the leadership of Thatcher's successor, John Major, but disappeared shortly after Labour Party leader Blair took over in May 1997, amid persistent speculation that Blair's wife, Cherie, did not like the animal.

The disappearance prompted official questions in the lower House of Commons and proof that he was still alive.