Keir Starmer quits UK parliament — two months after resigning as PM

Keir Starmer, former British prime minister, says he is standing down as member of parliament for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years as representative of the constituency.

Starmer, who resigned as prime minister in June, said he made the decision to leave the Commons after considering his future.

“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 in a statement on Tuesday.

“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.”

Starmer’s announcement comes hours before Andy Burnham, his successor, is due to deliver his first statement in the Commons as prime minister

The former prime minister had said he would stay as an MP until the next general election, which is scheduled for 2029.

However his new stance will trigger a by-election to fill the seat he vacates.

Former British prime ministers often remain as MPs after leaving No 10.

Rishi Sunak is still the MP for Richmond and Northallerton while Liz Truss stayed on until she lost her seat to Labour at the 2024 election.

Theresa May also remained as MP for five years after leaving Downing Street.

However, both Boris Johnson and David Cameron quit the Commons shortly afterwards.(TheCable)