Sir Keir Starmer is to stand down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, triggering a by-election in the north London seat he has represented for eleven years. The former prime minister announced his resignation over the summer after losing his party's confidence following disastrous local election results, and was succeeded as Labour leader by Andy Burnham; he has now told the Camden New Journal he wants to focus on international affairs, including defence, security, trade and technology, alongside his continuing work on tackling violence against women and girls.

Starmer took office in July 2024 after a landslide election win but saw his popularity collapse, with Labour losing 1,496 councillors and control of 38 councils in local elections, and Burnham's Makerfield by-election victory ultimately triggering his resignation. He pointed to achievements including free school meals and lifting the two-child benefit cap as part of his legacy, while Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake branded the move "another U-turn" and warned of a costly by-election for taxpayers.