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Keir Starmer has announced his decision to step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, bringing his 11-year parliamentary career in the constituency to an end.
Starmer, who left office as British prime minister in June, disclosed his resignation in a statement on Tuesday, saying he had taken time to consider his future before deciding to leave the House of Commons.
The former prime minister said his next phase would focus largely on international issues, including defence, security, trade and technology.
“I will now focus on other things and that will be international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world,” Starmer said.
He also pledged to continue working to combat violence against women and girls, an issue he described as particularly important to him.
“I will also continue, as I have done for a long time now with others, to work on combating violence against women and girls; that is an issue that matters to me hugely,” he added.
Starmer’s decision marks a departure from his earlier plan to remain in Parliament until the next general election, expected in 2029.
His resignation will result in a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras to determine his successor.
The announcement came shortly before his successor, Andy Burnham, was expected to make his first statement in the Commons as prime minister.
Former British prime ministers have taken different approaches to their parliamentary careers after leaving Downing Street.
Rishi Sunak remains the MP for Richmond and Northallerton, while Liz Truss continued as an MP until she lost her seat at the 2024 general election. Theresa May also remained in Parliament for five years after leaving office.
Boris Johnson and David Cameron, however, resigned from the Commons relatively soon after stepping down as prime minister.
