Keir Starmer to stand down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras

Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras, triggering a by-election in the north London constituency he has represented since 2015. The surprise statement, released on Monday, ends weeks of speculation over whether he would remain in the Commons after leaving Downing Street in July.

Starmer told the Camden New Journal that he had decided over the summer to focus on international affairs and that it was the "right time" to step aside. "I will now focus on other things and that will be international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world," he said. He added that he would continue work on combating violence against women and girls, an issue he said he began before becoming an MP.

The announcement came hours before his successor as prime minister, Andy Burnham, made his debut in the House of Commons. Paying tribute, Burnham highlighted Starmer's work with Ukraine and the Hillsborough Law, which was drawn up under his government to improve the accountability of public officials. "He has given this country a lifetime of public service, particularly for those fighting for justice," Burnham said.

Starmer had previously said he would stay on as an MP until the next general election, which is not due until 2029. His decision to quit the Commons so soon after resigning the premiership departs from the precedent set by recent prime ministers. Rishi Sunak remains the Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton two years after leaving No 10, and Theresa May stayed on as an MP for five years after stepping down as prime minister.

The by-election in Holborn and St Pancras will not take place immediately. A date will be set only once Starmer formally resigns his Commons seat, which requires the government to give him a crown appointment that disqualifies him from being an MP. Labour expects to select its candidate by 9 September, according to the party's website.

The seat has long been a Labour stronghold. Starmer secured a majority of more than 11,000 at the 2024 general election. The Greens are likely to be Labour's main challenger, having come second by vote totals in this year's local elections in wards that make up the constituency. The Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, a London Assembly member, is understood to be considering a run. A party spokesperson said Polanski had "always made it clear he would like to be a London MP".

Conservative figures criticised the decision. Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Starmer of making "another U-turn having pledged to stay on", which he said would prompt a "costly by-election for taxpayers". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wished Starmer well but added: "I can understand why he would not want to spend time with the Labour MPs who treated him so badly after he won them their seats."