Keir Starmer Announces Standing Down as MP
Ewan Somerville, Political reporter, BBC News
Published 1 September 2026, 12:21 BST
Updated 11 minutes ago
Sir Keir Starmer has announced he is to stand down as Member of Parliament (MP) for Holborn and St Pancras, triggering a by-election in the London seat.
In a statement to the Camden New Journal newspaper, he expressed his gratitude: "It had been a huge honour and privilege to represent the constituency for 11 years but I would now turn my focus to international affairs."
Sir Keir stood down as Prime Minister earlier this summer, with Andy Burnham succeeding him. Following weeks of speculation about his future as an MP, he confirmed his decision in his statement released on Tuesday.
He added that he was ready to "pass the baton to a successor" and would now concentrate on:
- International affairs, including defence, security, trade, and technology in a rapidly changing world.
- Combating violence against women and girls, an issue close to his heart.
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