Sir Keir Starmer to Leave Parliament, Triggering Holborn and St Pancras By-Election

On September 1, 2026, Sir Keir Starmer told the *Camden New Journal* that he was stepping down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras. The announcement will vacate a seat that has been held by Labour since the constituency’s creation in 1983.

The Independent

Starmer became Labour leader in 2020, led the party to a 174-seat majority in the 2024 general election, and was appointed prime minister in July 2026 after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election. His premiership was marked by a series of policy reversals, local-election losses and criticism over appointments such as Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador. In July 2026, Burnham is slated to replace Starmer as prime minister.

Sir Keir Starmer standing down as MP

• July 2026 (scheduled) – Andy Burnham to assume the premiership.

iNews

• September 1, 2026 (occurred) – Starmer announces resignation as MP.

South China Morning Post

• September 9 (scheduled) – Labour Party opens applications for the Holborn and St Pancras candidacy; the deadline for submissions.

New York Times

• Starmer represented the constituency for 11 years (since 2015).

iNews

• In the 2024 general election he won the seat with a majority of 11,572 votes.

The Independent

• The constituency is traditionally a Labour stronghold, but the upcoming by-election is expected to attract serious challenges from the Green Party, whose leader Zack Polanski has signaled interest, and from other minor parties.

New York Times

Labour colleagues, including longtime ally Carolyn Harris, praised his public-service record and expressed confidence that he will apply the same dedication to his new focus.

iNews

Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticised the move as “another U-turn” after Starmer had pledged to remain an MP until the next general election, arguing that the resignation will impose a “costly by-election for taxpayers.”

Sir Keir Starmer standing down as MP

• “It is now time to step aside and focus on other issues: international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world,” — Keir Starmer, former prime minister

South China Morning Post

• “He has given this country a lifetime of public service, Mr Speaker, particularly for those fighting for justice,” — Mr Burnham, of prime minister

The Independent

• “Zack has always made it clear he would like to be a London MP. London has been his home for over 20 years.” — Green Party spokesperson

The Independent

• “I am focusing all my attention on the job I have at the moment, which is to discharge my service to my country until I leave office, and I’m not thinking about what comes next until I have discharged that duty.” — July, prime minister

iNews

Labour will select its candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election by September 9. The by-election date will be set after Starmer formally resigns his seat. The contest is expected to serve as an early test of Andy Burnham’s leadership and of Labour’s ability to retain a historically safe London seat amid growing Green ambition.

The Independent