Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his decision to step down as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years representing the constituency.
Starmer, who resigned as prime minister in June, said he decided to leave the House of Commons after reflecting on his future.
“I will now focus on other things and that will be international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
“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.”
Starmer had previously said he intended to remain an MP until the next general election, scheduled for 2029.
His decision to quit Parliament will now trigger a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras to elect his successor.
Starmer’s announcement comes hours before Andy Burnham, his successor as prime minister, is due to deliver his first statement in the Commons.
Former British prime ministers have often remained in Parliament after leaving Downing Street.
Rishi Sunak remains MP for Richmond and Northallerton, while Liz Truss stayed in the Commons until she lost her seat to Labour at the 2024 general election.
Theresa May also remained an MP for five years after leaving Downing Street.
However, Boris Johnson and David Cameron both resigned from the Commons shortly after leaving the premiership.
Chronicle NG reports that Starmer’s departure marks a break with the recent practice of former prime ministers retaining their parliamentary seats after leaving office.
