With a new Prime Minister recently taking up residence behind the famous black door, members of Haslemere Morning WI were given a fascinating insight into life at Number 10 by a former special adviser to Theresa May.

Mario Creaturo, who worked for the former Prime Minister between 2017 and 2019, delivered a talk titled ‘Life at Number Ten’, offering a rare glimpse behind the famous black door during one of the most politically challenging periods in recent history.

His presentation focused on his time advising Mrs May during the turbulent Brexit years, when the country was deeply divided over the issue.

Mr Creaturo began by sharing the history of the famous building. He explained that the area around Downing Street was once marshland before King George II offered the property to Robert Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister, in 1732. However, it was not until 1902 that Number 10 became the official residence of the Prime Minister, as earlier politicians preferred to live at their country estates.

Ten Downing Street contains more than 100 rooms across several floors, with more than 150 civil servants working there in departments including security, communications and administration.

A highlight of the talk was learning more about Larry, the famous Downing Street cat who holds the official title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. The audience heard that his salary is often spent on veterinary bills following his regular encounters with Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat.

Mr Creaturo also shared stories about the Prime Minister’s official transport, security arrangements, ministerial planes based at RAF Northolt and the country retreat of Chequers.

The meeting was opened by president Nancy Walker, who updated the group on upcoming events including the summer lunch, monthly walk and a picnic at the Devil’s Punchbowl. She also announced an October fundraiser featuring a flower arranger’s demonstration followed by a special WI tea.