LONDON — Former British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, that he is standing down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, a move that will trigger a by-election in the north London seat.

In a statement to the Camden New Journal, his local newspaper, Starmer said it had been a "huge honour and privilege" to represent the constituency for 11 years and that he was ready to "pass the baton to a successor." He said he would focus on "international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world," and that he would continue work on combating violence against women and girls.

Starmer resigned as prime minister in July after losing the support of his parliamentary party following heavy Labour losses in local elections. Andy Burnham replaced him. The Independent reported that Labour lost 1,496 councillors and control of 38 councils, and that Burnham's Makerfield by-election win was the final trigger for Starmer's departure from Downing Street.

After leaving No. 10, Starmer told the BBC he intended to stay as an MP until the next general election, which must be held by 2029. Tuesday's statement reversed that pledge. The BBC noted that a by-election date will not be set until he formally resigns the Commons seat. Holborn and St Pancras returned him with a majority of more than 11,000 in 2024.

Burnham was due to deliver his first statement in the Commons as prime minister the same day, setting out priorities and taking questions. Starmer said whoever becomes the Labour candidate in Holborn and St Pancras will have his "full support and backing," and that he will continue to support the prime minister and the Labour government.

Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake called the exit "another U-turn having pledged to stay on" and said it would mean a "costly by-election for taxpayers," while wishing Starmer and his family well. That cost figure was Hollinrake's claim, not a published estimate. The Independent and Sky News reported that the Green Party has not ruled out leader Zack Polanski contesting the seat. A Green spokesperson said Polanski "has always made it clear he would like to be a London MP" and that London has been his home for more than 20 years.

The party room removed Starmer from Downing Street in July. Today he is walking away from the last office voters gave him in that seat. The by-election is the public's remaining vote in Holborn and St Pancras. Whether taxpayers foot a bill worth fretting over is a question for the returning officer's accounts, not a press release.

Sources