Politics

Keir Starmer announces decision to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras

The former prime minister's resignation will trigger a by-election in the central London constituency.

Updated Sep 1, 2026 · 12:18 UTC2 reports

The short version

Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he is stepping down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years representing the constituency.
Starmer stated he plans to shift his focus to international affairs—including defense, security, trade, and technology—as well as ongoing work against violence targeting women and girls.
The move triggers a by-election in the London seat, though an official date has not yet been set.
Opposition figures criticized the decision as a reversal of Starmer's previous commitment to remain in Parliament until the next general election.

Sir Keir Starmer announced his decision to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras in a statement to the Camden New Journal.[The Guardian · BBC News]
Starmer previously resigned as prime minister in July, with Andy Burnham taking over as his successor.[The Guardian · BBC News]
The formal timing of the by-election in Holborn and St Pancras will not be set until Starmer officially resigns his seat.[BBC News]
Starmer won the Holborn and St Pancras seat in the 2024 general election with a majority of more than 11,000 votes.[BBC News]
Green Party leader Zack Polanski is considering a candidacy for the vacated seat, according to a party spokesperson.[The Guardian]
Conservative Party Chair Kevin Hollinrake criticized Starmer's departure, describing it as a reversed pledge that imposes unnecessary costs on taxpayers.[The Guardian]

The exact date for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election remains unknown until Starmer formally tenders his resignation.[BBC News]
It is unconfirmed whether Green Party leader Zack Polanski or independent candidate Andrew Feinstein will officially enter the race.[The Guardian]