Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will stand down as an MP, triggering a by-election in the north London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras.
Starmer, who left Downing Street in July and was succeeded by Andy Burnham, said he had decided it was the “right time” to leave Parliament after representing the constituency for 11 years.
The decision marks a change from Starmer’s previous position. After leaving office, he had indicated that he intended to remain a backbench MP until the next general election, which is due by 2029.
Starmer said he would now concentrate on international affairs, particularly defence, security, trade and technology, as well as continuing his longstanding work to combat violence against women and girls.
He described representing Holborn and St Pancras since 2015 as a “huge honour and privilege” and said he was ready to hand responsibility for the constituency to a successor.
Burnham pays tribute to predecessor
Prime Minister Andy Burnham paid tribute to Starmer, highlighting his support for Ukraine and his government’s work on the Hillsborough Law, which seeks to strengthen accountability among public officials.
Burnham said his predecessor had given the country a lifetime of public service and credited him with taking Labour from its heavy 2019 election defeat to its landslide victory in 2024.
Starmer became prime minister following that victory but left Downing Street in July 2026 after losing support within the Labour Party.
His resignation announcement came on the same day Burnham made his first House of Commons appearance as prime minister.
By-election battle ahead
Starmer’s departure will trigger a potentially significant electoral test for the new prime minister.
Holborn and St Pancras has traditionally been a Labour stronghold. Starmer retained the constituency at the 2024 general election with a majority of 11,572 votes.
The Green Party is expected to target the seat, with its leader Zack Polanski among those linked with a possible candidacy. Polanski is currently a member of the London Assembly.
A date for the by-election cannot be formally set until Starmer completes the parliamentary process required to vacate his Commons seat.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wished the former prime minister well, while other Conservatives criticised his decision to leave Parliament after previously saying he intended to remain an MP.
Starmer turns attention overseas
Starmer has not yet announced a specific international position he intends to take.
Foreign affairs played a prominent role during his premiership, including Britain’s support for Ukraine and diplomatic engagement with European countries, China and the United States.
His departure also contrasts with some recent former prime ministers who remained in Parliament after leaving Downing Street.
For Starmer, however, the announcement brings an end to an 11-year Commons career that began when he was first elected for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015.
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