Keir Starmer has resigned as a Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, a seat he has held for 11 years. The former Prime Minister, who had previously stated his intention to remain in his parliamentary role, announced his decision in a final U-turn.
Starmer's resignation triggers a by-election in his north London constituency, which could prove challenging for the Labour party. He stated in an interview with the Camden New Journal that he was ready to "pass the baton to a successor."
He indicated his intention to focus on "international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world." Additionally, Starmer plans to continue his long-standing work on combating violence against women and girls, an issue he has championed before and during his tenure as an MP.
Starmer previously served as the Director of Public Prosecutions before entering politics. He was effectively removed from his leadership position by Andy Burnham in July. He had consistently insisted he would stay on as the member for Holborn and St Pancras following that ousting, but has now opted to resign his seat entirely.