Former UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as a Member of Parliament, ending his 11-year representation of Holborn and St Pancras.
His decision will trigger a by-election in the Labour stronghold, which he has held since 2015. Starmer said it was the “right time” to leave Parliament and focus on international affairs and his long-standing work on violence against women and girls.
Speaking to the Camden New Journal, Starmer described his time in Parliament as a privilege. “It has been a huge honour and privilege to represent Holborn and St Pancras for 11 years,” he said, adding that he was ready to “pass the baton to a successor.”
He explained that his future work would centre on international affairs, including defence, security, trade, and technology. He also reaffirmed his commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, calling it an issue that “matters to me hugely.”
Starmer’s announcement came just before his successor as Labour leader, Andy Burnham, was due to make his first appearance in the House of Commons as prime minister.
Political Reactions And Criticism
The resignation drew criticism from Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake, who accused Starmer of making “another U-turn” after previously promising to remain in Parliament until the next general election expected in 2029. Hollinrake also criticised the cost of holding another by-election, arguing that taxpayers would bear unnecessary expenses.
Despite the criticism, Labour officials said the party was prepared to defend the seat. Holborn and St Pancras has long been a Labour stronghold, with Starmer winning by more than 11,000 votes in the 2024 general election.
The upcoming by-election is expected to attract strong interest, particularly from the Green Party. The Greens finished second in recent local elections across wards within the constituency, raising speculation about their chances.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has been linked with a possible bid for the seat. A party spokesperson said Polanski had “always made it clear he would like to be a London MP.” His candidacy could test Labour’s dominance in the area, although analysts believe the party remains favoured to retain the seat.
The by-election will also serve as an early test for Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has just taken office. A strong Labour performance would reinforce his leadership, while a close contest could embolden opposition parties.
Departure From Tradition Among Former PMs
Starmer’s decision marks a departure from recent tradition among former UK prime ministers. Rishi Sunak and Theresa May remained MPs after leaving Downing Street, continuing to influence parliamentary debates.
By contrast, Boris Johnson and David Cameron resigned their seats shortly after their premierships ended.
Starmer has not confirmed what international role he may pursue, but global diplomacy and security issues dominated his time in office. His departure suggests he intends to remain active in shaping international policy outside Parliament.
Starmer’s resignation closes a chapter in his political career that began with his election in 2015.
As Labour leader, he guided the party through turbulent years before becoming prime minister. His focus on international affairs and social justice issues is expected to continue in new roles.
For Holborn and St Pancras, the by-election will determine who inherits the seat from one of Labour’s most prominent figures.
For Starmer, it marks a transition from domestic politics to a broader stage, where he hopes to influence global debates on security, trade, and human rights.
