Keir Starmer Quits UK Parliament After Resigning As Prime Minister

Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras after representing the constituency for 11 years.

Starmer, who resigned as prime minister in June, said he decided to leave the House of Commons after reflecting on what he wants to do next.

In a statement released on Tuesday, September 1, he said his future plans would focus on international issues, including defence, security, trade and technology.

“I will now focus on other things and that will be international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world,” he said.

“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.”

Keir Starmer’s decision was announced just hours before his successor, Andy Burnham, was expected to make his first statement in the Commons as prime minister.

The former prime minister had previously indicated that he intended to remain an MP until the next general election in 2029.

His decision to leave early means a by-election will now be held to elect a new representative for Holborn and St Pancras.

It is common for former UK prime ministers to remain in Parliament after leaving Downing Street.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak continues to represent Richmond and Northallerton, while Liz Truss remained an MP until she lost her seat to Labour at the 2024 general election.

Theresa May also stayed in the Commons for five years after stepping down as prime minister.

However, Boris Johnson and David Cameron both left Parliament relatively soon after leaving the office of prime minister.

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