Keir Starmer announced he will leave the seat of MP for Holborn and St Pancras, a London electoral district he has represented for 11 years. The departure should trigger a by-election to determine his successor in the constituency. In a statement to the Camden New Journal, Starmer classified representing the district as a "huge honor and privilege" and said he intends to turn his attention to international affairs.
The decision comes months after Starmer left the prime minister's office in June, and Andy Burnham took his place. In the following weeks, there was speculation about Starmer's remaining in Parliament. Shortly after leaving the government, however, he had stated in an interview to the BBC that he would continue as MP until the next general election.
Now, Starmer said he is ready to "pass the baton to a successor." When announcing his departure from Parliament, Starmer said he intends to focus his work on international issues. Among the topics mentioned are defense and security.