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Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday announced that he will step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in London, setting in motion the process for a by-election in the constituency. The decision comes weeks after Starmer resigned as Labour leader and prime minister following mounting pressure within his party, handing over the reins to Andy Burnham.
Starmer, 63, had earlier indicated that he intended to remain in Parliament and support the Labour government from the backbenches.
However, after reflecting over the summer recess, he said he had decided that it was the right time to leave the House of Commons and pursue work outside frontline politics.
"Over the summer, I have had time to reflect and consider my future. I have decided that now is the right time to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras and hand the baton over to a successor," Starmer said in a statement posted on social media as Parliament returned after its summer break.
The former barrister, who represented the north London constituency for 11 years after succeeding veteran Labour MP Frank Dobson, said he regarded serving the area as an honour.
He said his decision would allow him to concentrate on international affairs, particularly defence, security, trade and technology, amid rapid changes in the global landscape.
"It's been an honour and privilege to represent the best constituency in the country since taking over from the great Frank Dobson 11 years ago," Starmer said.
"But it is now time to step aside and focus on other issues: international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world," he added.
Starmer also said he would continue working on issues including violence against women and girls. He described Holborn and St Pancras as the place his family calls home and said he would remain proud of having represented the constituency.
The impending by-election is expected to attract considerable political attention, particularly from the Green Party, which views the London seat as an area where it has significant support.
The contest could also provide a potential parliamentary route for Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who has expressed an interest in becoming a London MP.
A party spokesperson said Polanski has always made clear his desire to represent London in Parliament and noted that the capital has been his home for more than two decades, leaving open the possibility of him contesting the seat.
Starmer's departure from Parliament follows a dramatic reversal in his political fortunes. He led Labour to a sweeping victory in the 2024 general election, securing one of the largest parliamentary majorities in modern British history.
However, his government subsequently faced declining public support, political controversies and criticism over a series of policy reversals.
Foreign policy had been regarded as one of Starmer's stronger areas while he was prime minister.
His government worked closely with French President Emmanuel Macron in support of Ukraine, sought to reset relations with China, recognised a Palestinian state and attempted to strengthen ties with US President Donald Trump.
Starmer resigned as prime minister in July after acknowledging that he no longer had sufficient support among Labour lawmakers to lead the party into the next general election. Burnham subsequently became prime minister, marking another change at the top of British politics.
Starmer had won Holborn and St Pancras comfortably in 2024 with a majority of more than 11,500 votes, although an independent candidate campaigning largely against Israel's war in Gaza secured nearly 19 per cent of the vote.
With Starmer now leaving the Commons, attention will turn to the timing of the by-election and the candidates who enter the race.
The contest is likely to become an early test of Labour's standing under Burnham's leadership, while also offering the Greens an opportunity to challenge for a high-profile London seat.
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Published On:
Sep 1, 2026 18:50 IST
