Former UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras to focus on international affairs and other issues, including violence against women and girls.
Starmer has represented the London constituency, a long-standing Labour stronghold, since 2015. His resignation will trigger a by-election in the seat.
The former prime minister had previously said he intended to remain an MP until the next general election, which is not expected until 2029. However, in a surprise announcement, he said he had decided it was the right time to leave Parliament and “pass the baton to a successor.”
Speaking to the Camden New Journal, Starmer described representing the constituency for 11 years as a “huge honour and privilege.”
He said his next focus would include international affairs, particularly defence, security, trade and technology, as well as continuing his work to combat violence against women and girls.
“It’s work I started before I became an MP and it’s work I’m keen to continue after I’m an MP,” he said.
Starmer became prime minister after Labour won a landslide victory at the 2024 general election. He subsequently left Downing Street in July after facing pressure from Labour MPs to stand aside.
His resignation comes just hours before his successor, Andy Burnham, is due to make his first statement in the House of Commons as prime minister and set out his priorities.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch wished Starmer well but criticised his decision, saying she understood why he would not want to spend time with Labour MPs who had “treated him so badly” after he won their seats.
Tory Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake also accused Starmer of making “another U-turn” after previously pledging to remain in Parliament, arguing that his decision would result in a costly by-election for taxpayers.
A date for the by-election will be announced after Starmer formally resigns his Commons seat.
Holborn and St Pancras has traditionally been a safe Labour seat, with Starmer winning a majority of more than 11,000 votes at the 2024 general election.
