Former British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced his resignation as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years representing the constituency.

Starmer, who resigned as prime minister in June, said he decided to leave the House of Commons after reflecting on his future.

He said his next focus would be international affairs, particularly defence, security, trade and technology, amid a rapidly changing global environment.

“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.

Starmer also pledged to continue working to combat violence against women and girls, describing the issue as one that matters greatly to him.

His announcement comes just hours before Andy Burnham, his successor as prime minister, is expected to make his first statement in the Commons.

Starmer had previously indicated that he would remain an MP until the next general election, scheduled for 2029. His decision to quit now will trigger a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras.

It is not unusual for former British prime ministers to remain in Parliament after leaving Downing Street. Rishi Sunak remains MP for Richmond and Northallerton, while Liz Truss remained in Parliament until she lost her seat to Labour in the 2024 general election.

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

However, former prime ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron resigned from the Commons relatively soon after leaving office.