Keir Starmer announced on September 1, 2026, that he will step down as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras after representing the constituency for 11 years [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. He said, "Now is the right time to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras and hand the baton over to a successor" [4].
Starmer was elected MP in 2015 after serving as Director of Public Prosecutions and led the Labour Party from 2019 to 2026. He won his seat in Holborn and St Pancras by 11,572 votes in the 2024 general election, which Labour swept in a landslide victory [2, 3, 5]. After poll ratings collapsed, he resigned as Labour leader in June 2026 and was succeeded by Andy Burnham, who became the new UK prime minister in July [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Starmer said he will focus on international affairs including defence, security, trade, and technology, and continue his work combating violence against women and girls after leaving Parliament. He called representing the constituency "a huge honour and privilege" and said, "My work is done" [1, 4, 6].
The resignation triggers a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, a safe Labour seat, where the Green party, led by Zack Polanski, is expected to contest aggressively after gaining 10 council seats in Camden in May 2026 local elections, when Labour lost 17 seats but retained control [1, 2, 3, 7, 4, 5, 6].
Some constituents expressed mixed views about Starmer's tenure. Dominic Ford called him "sensible" and "very nice, honest guy," while another resident, Annie, said, "I think everyone here wanted him to leave" after a difficult period [7]. Starmer faced criticism over certain decisions as prime minister, including the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US and his stance on Palestine, where some hoped for stronger support from his successor Burnham [7].
Other by-elections in the UK this year include Makerfield, held by Labour, and Clacton, held by Reform UK [2, 3].
The Holborn and St Pancras by-election date is expected to be announced soon.
