Former UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, triggering a by-election in the London constituency.
Starmer said it had been a huge honour and privilege to represent the constituency for 11 years but that he would now shift his focus towards international affairs.
The announcement, made in a statement to the
Camden New Journal
, ends weeks of speculation over whether Starmer would continue serving as an MP following his resignation as prime minister.
His departure from the House of Commons will require a by-election to determine his successor in the north London seat, which Starmer has represented since 2015.
Starmer’s decision comes after he stepped down as prime minister earlier in the summer. Andy Burnham subsequently replaced him as prime minister.
Starmer’s political career in Holborn and St Pancras has spanned more than a decade. Before becoming Labour leader and later prime minister, he established himself as a prominent figure in British politics and served in several senior roles within the party.
In announcing his departure from Parliament, Starmer said his time representing the constituency had been a significant part of his public life.
However, his decision to leave the Commons marks a further shift in his political career as he prepares to concentrate on international affairs.
The planned by-election is expected to attract considerable attention, given Starmer’s long association with the constituency and his former position as leader of the UK government.
His resignation as an MP will also bring to an end his direct representation of Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years.
The timing of the by-election and the candidates who will contest the seat are expected to become clearer following the formal process required to trigger the poll.
Starmer’s move represents a major change for both his political career and the constituency he has represented since 2015, while opening the way for a new MP to represent Holborn and St Pancras in Parliament.