Former UK prime minister Keir Starmer resigns as MP, triggering London by-election

Keir Starmer, the former British prime minister, announced on Tuesday he will resign as a member of Parliament, triggering a by-election in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency. The decision comes six weeks after he stepped down as prime minister and Labour leader, with Andy Burnham succeeding him in July.
Starmer, who represented the central London seat for 11 years, informed local [Labour Party](en.wikipedia.org](en.wikipedia.org))) staff of his resignation. In a statement posted on X, he called it “the right time” to leave office and said he would focus on “international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world.” He also pledged to continue his work combating violence against women and girls, an issue he described as deeply important to him .
The announcement coincided with Burnham’s first address to the House of Commons as prime minister. Starmer had previously indicated he would remain an MP until the next general election, but he told the Camden New Journal that he was now ready to “pass the baton to a successor” .
Starmer, a former human rights lawyer and director of public prosecutions, became Labour leader in 2020 and led the party to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, securing a 174-seat majority. However, his tenure as prime minister lasted just over two years before mounting pressure from within Labour led to his resignation in July .
The by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, a seat Labour has held since its creation in 1983, could face a challenge from the Green Party. Zack Polanski, the party’s co-leader, has been suggested as a potential candidate, with a Green Party spokesperson stating Polanski “has always made clear he would like to be an MP for London” .
Burnham, in his maiden Commons speech, told MPs the UK needed “substantial change” and reiterated his commitment to addressing climate challenges, including attending the COP31 summit .
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