Sir Keir Starmer is to stand down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras, saying he wants to focus on international affairs after leaving Downing Street in July.
The former prime minister said on September 1 that it was the right time to leave Parliament and “hand the baton over to a successor”. His decision will trigger a by-election in the north London constituency, which he has represented since 2015. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/01/keir-starmer-to-stand-down-as-mp?utm_source=openai))
In comments to the Camden New Journal, Sir Keir said his future work would include “international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world”. He also said he would continue working to combat violence against women and girls. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/01/keir-starmer-to-stand-down-as-mp?utm_source=openai))
He had previously indicated that he intended to remain in the Commons as a backbench MP after resigning as Labour leader and prime minister. His departure now brings his parliamentary career to an end.
Sir Keir said it had been a “huge honour and privilege” to represent the constituency, adding that he was proud of work on affordable housing, education and efforts to tackle knife crime through Camden youth support services. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/01/keir-starmer-to-stand-down-as-mp?utm_source=openai))
The seat, regarded as a long-standing Labour stronghold, is expected to attract interest from other parties. Green Party leader Zack Polanski is understood to be considering standing, while independent candidate Andrew Feinstein was Sir Keir’s closest challenger at the 2024 general election. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/01/keir-starmer-to-stand-down-as-mp?utm_source=openai))
