Former British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has announced his decision to resign as a Member of Parliament for Holborn and St. Pancras, bringing his 11-year career in the House of Commons to an end.
Starmer made the announcement on Tuesday, saying he now intends to devote his attention to international affairs, including defence, security, trade and technology.
Key Highlights
- Starmer quits Parliament: Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as MP for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years in the House of Commons.
- New focus: Starmer said he plans to concentrate on international affairs, defence, security, trade and technology.
- By-election triggered: His resignation will lead to a by-election in the London constituency.
- 11-year parliamentary career ends: Starmer first entered Parliament as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015.
- Former Labour leader: He became Labour Party leader in 2020 and led the party to a decisive victory in the 2024 general election.
In a statement posted on social media, the former Labour leader said he believes it was the appropriate time to leave the parliamentary seat he had represented since 2015.
“It is now time to step aside and focus on other issues: international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world,” Starmer said.
His resignation will trigger a by-election in the London constituency.
Starmer’s decision comes shortly after his departure from the leadership of the Labour Party and Downing Street, following a turbulent period in British politics.
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A report by the Camden New Journal said Starmer had informed the Labour Party of his intention to leave Parliament after more than a decade as an MP, including six years as party leader.
The former prime minister, a former human rights lawyer, became Labour leader in 2020 and went on to lead the party to a landslide victory at the 2024 general election.
His victory brought Labour back to government after 14 years in opposition and saw Starmer become prime minister.
However, his time in office was marked by political challenges, declining popularity and internal pressure within the Labour Party.
Starmer eventually announced his resignation as Labour leader after growing criticism from members of his party and mounting political difficulties.
Andy Burnham subsequently became prime minister in July, taking over the leadership of the government after Starmer’s departure from office.
Starmer’s exit from Parliament means he will now leave both the leadership of the Labour Party and the House of Commons, although he has indicated that he intends to remain active in areas connected to international affairs.
He said his future focus would include issues such as global security, defence, international trade and technological development.
His departure from the Commons will also create an opportunity for Labour and other political parties to contest the Holborn and St Pancras seat in a forthcoming by-election.
