Following his decision to resign as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has confirmed he will continue to represent his central London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras as an MP. A spokesperson for Mr Starmer stated that he intends to serve out the remainder of his term in the House of Commons, affirming his commitment to remaining a Labour MP.
Despite speculation from some quarters that Mr Starmer could be offered a significant cabinet position, such as Foreign Secretary, in an incoming government led by Andy Burnham, his spokesperson conveyed that he is not anticipating such a role. Quoting Mr Starmer's address to his current cabinet, the spokesperson relayed his sentiment: "This is the end of my journey, but this is not the end of yours," suggesting a clear intention to step back from front-bench duties.
Mr Starmer's Holborn and St Pancras seat currently holds an 11,000 majority, though it is viewed as a potential target for the Green Party should it become vacant. During his final Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Mr Starmer reflected on his tenure, expressing pride in the Labour Party's recent electoral success. He highlighted the party's achievement in inflicting the largest defeat on the Conservative Party in its history and its journey of recovery.
As the transition of power approaches, Mr Starmer is scheduled to attend next month's NATO summit in Ankara. This engagement will be one of his concluding acts as Prime Minister, where he is expected to deliver the government's defence investment plan. Andy Burnham, widely anticipated to succeed Mr Starmer, is expected to enter Downing Street on 17th July, assuming he is unopposed in the leadership contest.
Reports indicate a strained relationship between the departing Prime Minister and his likely successor. A meeting between Mr Starmer and Mr Burnham on Tuesday, their first since the Makerfield by-election, was described by aides as 'frosty'. The hour-long discussions, held away from Downing Street, reportedly underscored significant tension between the two political figures. Despite this, Mr Starmer has agreed to allow Mr Burnham access to senior civil servants, including Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, for transition talks – a process typically reserved for the Leader of the Opposition before a general election.
Furthermore, Mr Starmer's spokesperson confirmed that the outgoing Prime Minister has committed to avoiding "no new major policy or spending commitments" before he steps down. This measure aims to ensure his successor is not unduly constrained by last-minute decisions, with the exception of the defence plan, which Mr Starmer considers already settled.