he was now ready to “pass the baton to a successor”
Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will stand down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras, triggering a by-election in the London constituency.
The former prime minister confirmed his decision in a statement to the Camden New Journal on September 1, 2026.
Keir Starmer said representing the constituency for 11 years had been a “huge honour and privilege”.
He said he was now ready to “pass the baton to a successor” as he prepares to focus on international affairs.
His announcement follows weeks of speculation over whether he would remain in Parliament after stepping down as prime minister.
Sir Keir resigned as prime minister earlier in the summer, with Andy Burnham replacing him.
Following his departure from Downing Street, Sir Keir initially indicated that he planned to remain an MP until the next general election.
However, he has now decided to leave Parliament earlier than expected.
In his statement, Sir Keir said his future work would focus heavily on international affairs.
He specifically highlighted defence, security, trade and technology as areas he intends to concentrate on.
He said these issues were increasingly important in a “fast-changing world”.
The former Labour leader also plans to continue his work campaigning against violence against women and girls.
Sir Keir said the issue had been important to him for many years and was work he began before becoming an MP.
He intends to continue supporting efforts to tackle violence against women and girls after leaving Parliament.
Sir Keir’s resignation as an MP will trigger a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras.
The constituency has been represented by Sir Keir Starmer since 2015.
His departure means political parties will now prepare to select candidates to contest the London seat.
Further details about the by-election are expected to emerge over the coming weeks.
The contest could attract significant attention because of Sir Keir’s long association with the constituency and his recent role as prime minister.
Sir Keir’s decision marks another significant development in British politics following his departure from Downing Street.
He became Labour leader in 2020 before leading the party into the 2024 general election.
Labour secured a large parliamentary majority at that election, making Sir Keir prime minister.
His decision to leave Parliament now brings an end to more than a decade as an MP.
It also signals a new chapter for the former prime minister as he turns his attention towards international affairs and campaigning work.
The upcoming by-election will determine who represents Holborn and St Pancras in Parliament.
More information about candidates, dates and the political campaign is expected to follow.
