Former British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is stepping down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, ending an 11-year tenure in the House of Commons and triggering a by-election in the north London constituency.
Starmer announced the decision on Tuesday, September 1, saying he had decided it was the “right time” to leave Parliament and focus on work outside the Commons, particularly international affairs.
In a statement to the Camden New Journal, Starmer said his future work would focus on defence, security, trade and technology, while continuing his efforts to combat violence against women and girls.
“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 added that tackling violence against women and girls remained important to him, saying it was work he had started before entering Parliament and intended to continue after leaving office.
The announcement comes less than two months after Starmer resigned as prime minister and Labour leader, with Andy Burnham succeeding him in July. Starmer had previously indicated that he would remain in Parliament as a backbench MP until the next general election, which is not due before 2029.
His decision therefore brings a faster-than-expected end to his parliamentary career.
His departure automatically triggers a by-election in the constituency, which has traditionally been a strong Labour seat.
The contest could nevertheless provide an early test of Labour’s standing under Burnham’s leadership. The Green Party is expected to consider a challenge, with party leader Zack Polanski among those being discussed as a possible candidate.
Labour is also expected to move quickly to select a new candidate for the seat, with the by-election date yet to be announced.
Starmer said his next chapter would centre on international issues, particularly defence, security, trade and technology.