Why is Keir Starmer stepping down as an MP? What the ex-PM said as he announces resignation from his seat

SIR Keir Starmer has announced he is quitting Parliament, triggering a London by-election battle. The former Prime Minister is standing down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years representing the central London constituency. Sir Keir said that now is the ‘right time’ to step aside Credit: AFP Sir Keir plans to focus his post-Westminster career on international affairs in a ‘fast-changing world’ Credit: Reuters His exit comes just weeks after leaving Downing Street in July, when Andy Burnham succeeded him as PM. Why is Keir Starmer stepping down now? In a statement released online and an interview with his local newspaper, the Camden New Journal, Sir Keir said that now is the “right time” to step aside and hand the baton over to a successor. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! Sir Keir said he plans to focus his post-Westminster career on international affairs in a “fast-changing world,” concentrating on global defence, security, trade, and technology. Alongside his international focus, the former Labour leader pledged to continue his work tackling violence against women and girls. He said this was an issue he had championed long before entering the House of Commons in 2015, having previously served as the Director of Public Prosecutions. Reflecting on his departure, Sir Keir called it a “huge honour and privilege” to serve the area where he and his family live. Sir Keir said he will offer his “full support” to whoever Labour selects to succeed him, while reaffirming his backing for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the government. The decision has drawn fire from political opponents, including Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake, who wished Sir Keir well, but called the move “yet another U-turn” after the ex-PM previously pledged to stay on as MP. Most read in The Sun The Tories said that triggering a contest will result in a “costly by-election” for taxpayers at a time when the new Labour administration is under fire over potential tax rises. What did the ex-PM say about his record? Looking back over his career in office, Sir Keir defended both his national achievements and his local record. He thanked his local Constituency Labour Party for standing “resolute” behind him during his six-and-a-half years as Labour leader, taking the party from its 2019 election collapse to a historic landslide victory in 2024. On a local level in Holborn and St Pancras, he underlined several policy measures that he believes will continue to benefit residents. He highlighted ongoing work on “affordable housing projects, delivering first-class education and tackling youth violence through our Camden Youth Safety Taskforce.” On support for families, he said that opening “10 breakfast clubs across the constituency” alongside free school meals means “4,600 children in the constituency will now benefit.” Tackling local poverty, Sir Keir said that “the minimum wage increase will make a difference to thousands of workers,” while lifting the two-child benefit cap means “2,500 children in the constituency will now begin to be lifted out of poverty.” He also pointed to housing reforms, saying “16,500 renters in Holborn and St Pancras” would gain crucial protections under the Renters’ Rights Act. Will Labour face a tough by-election battle? Although Holborn and St Pancras has long been considered a safe Labour seat, Sir Keir’s departure sets up a crucial political test in the capital. The Green Party is understood to be eyeing the seat as a major opportunity. The Greens achieved record results in May’s London local elections, more than doubling their vote share to 22.3% and taking control of former Labour strongholds like Hackney, Waltham Forest, and Lewisham. A Green spokesman hinted that party leader Zack Polanski could stand, noting that London has been his home for over two decades. Comment now