Former British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he is leaving his seat in the House of Commons and will not stand at the next election in his constituency. He made the announcement on 1 September 2026 to the local newspaper the Camden New Journal.
Starmer has represented the London seat of Holborn and St Pancras since 2015. His resignation will trigger a by-election in the traditionally safe Labour constituency. He had previously said he would remain an MP until the next general election, which must be held by 2029. He has now changed that position.
“It has been a huge honour and privilege to represent the best constituency in the country for 11 years. Now it is time to pass the baton to a successor,” Starmer said. He said he would focus on international affairs, including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world. He also intends to continue work on combating violence against women and girls — an issue he worked on before entering parliament.
Starmer left Downing Street in July 2026 after coming under pressure from within the Labour Party. He was succeeded by Andy Burnham. The announcement that he is leaving parliament came on the day the new prime minister was due to make his first statement in the House of Commons.
Starmer thanked local activists and his constituency staff, highlighting work on affordable housing, education and reducing youth violence in Camden. He pledged to support the future Labour candidate in the seat and to back Burnham’s government.
A date for the by-election will be set after Starmer formally resigns his seat. The constituency is still seen as relatively safe for Labour, but the result will be an early test for the party’s new leadership.