Former United Kingdom Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has announced that he will resign as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, paving the way for a by-election in the London constituency.
Starmer disclosed his decision in a statement to the Camden New Journal, saying it had been a “huge honour and privilege” to represent the constituency for 11 years.
He said he was now preparing to shift his attention towards international affairs, particularly at a time of significant global change.
“I will now focus on other things and that will be international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world.
“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.
“It’s work I started before I became an MP and it’s work I’m keen to continue after I’m an MP. So international affairs on the one hand, and continuing my work on violence against women and girls on the other.”
The announcement comes shortly before Andy Burnham is due to make his first statement in the House of Commons as prime minister, outlining his priorities and responding to questions from MPs.
A by-election date cannot be announced until Starmer formally vacates his Commons seat.
Holborn and St Pancras has traditionally been a safe Labour constituency.
Starmer retained the seat at the 2024 general election with a majority of more than 11,000 votes.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticised the decision, accusing Starmer of making “another U-turn having pledged to stay on” and arguing that the move would result in a “costly by-election for taxpayers”.
Starmer’s decision follows weeks of speculation over whether he would remain in Parliament after leaving Downing Street.
In an interview with the BBC shortly after resigning as prime minister, Starmer had said he intended to remain an MP until the next general election, which is due to be held by 2029.
However, in his latest statement, he said he was ready to “pass the baton to a successor”.
The former prime minister has not disclosed exactly what role he may pursue in international affairs.
Foreign policy, diplomacy and global issues featured prominently during his time in Downing Street.
During his departure interview in July, Starmer was asked whether he could see himself taking on another major political or international position.
He responded, “I don’t know is the honest answer to that.”
His decision to leave Parliament so soon after stepping down as prime minister also differs from the approach taken by several of his predecessors.
Rishi Sunak remains a Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton two years after leaving Downing Street, while Liz Truss remained in Parliament until she lost her seat to Labour at the 2024 election.
Theresa May continued as an MP for five years after leaving office.
Former prime ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron, however, resigned from the Commons relatively soon after departing Downing Street.
