Keir Starmer to stand down as MP weeks after leaving office

Keir Starmer has announced he will resign his seat in the House of Commons, triggering a by-election in his north London constituency. The Guardian, BBC and the Independent all carry the news, weeks after he stood down as Prime Minister following Labour's defeat.

Starmer's resignation statement, published in full by several outlets, gives no timeline for the by-election. The Sun reports the contest will be "triggered" soon; the Express calls it a "bombshell career move". Count Binface, the novelty candidate who has stood against Starmer before, told the Independent he is considering another run.

The pattern isn't unusual - former Prime Ministers who lose office mid-parliament often depart the Commons within months rather than years. What is unusual is the speed: most wait at least one full sitting to give their successor room. Starmer's early exit clears the front bench and the television studios; whether it also clears his conscience is a question for historians. By-elections are often read as referendums on the government of the day - this one will test how much the country has moved on.

The by-election date will be set by the Prime Minister. Watch for whether Andy Burnham calls it quickly or lets it run long - and whether Reform UK, as GB News reports Nigel Farage suggesting, makes a serious play for the seat.