Sir Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, bringing an end to his 11-year representation of the north London constituency and paving the way for a by-election.
Starmer made the announcement in a statement to the Camden New Journal, describing his time as MP for the constituency as a “huge honour and privilege”.
He said he was now ready to “pass the baton to a successor” as he turns his attention to international affairs, including defence, security, trade and technology.
Starmer also said he would continue his longstanding efforts to combat violence against women and girls, an issue he described as particularly important to him.
“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 his work on tackling violence against women and girls began before he entered Parliament and was something he intended to continue after leaving the Commons.
The announcement follows weeks of speculation over whether Starmer would retain his parliamentary seat after leaving Downing Street.
Shortly after stepping down as prime minister, Starmer had said in a BBC interview that he intended to remain an MP until the next general election.
His decision to leave Parliament means a by-election will be required in Holborn and St Pancras. However, a date cannot be fixed until he formally resigns his Commons seat.
The announcement comes just hours before Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to make his first statement in the House of Commons, outlining his government’s priorities and responding to questions from MPs.
Holborn and St Pancras has traditionally been a strong Labour constituency. Starmer retained the seat at the 2024 general election with a majority of more than 11,000 votes.
His departure will therefore open a new contest in a constituency he has represented since 2015.
