Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned as a Member of Parliament, bringing his 11-year parliamentary career to an end.

Starmer announced on Tuesday that he would step down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras in London. His resignation will trigger a by-election in the constituency.

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Explaining his decision, the former Labour leader said he was leaving domestic politics to focus on international issues, particularly defence, security, trade and technology amid rapid changes around the world.

“It is now time to step aside and focus on other issues: international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world,” Starmer said in a statement shared on social media.

Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, became Labour Party leader in 2020 and led the party to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, paving the way for him to become Prime Minister.

However, his time in Downing Street was marked by declining public popularity and growing pressure from within the Labour Party. He subsequently resigned as Labour leader and Prime Minister earlier in the summer.

Andy Burnham later emerged as Prime Minister in July, succeeding Starmer following his resignation.

Starmer’s departure from Parliament now formally closes a political chapter that saw him rise from opposition leader to Prime Minister before leaving office after a turbulent period in government.