Former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Quit Parliament

Keir Starmer, Britain’s former prime minister, said Tuesday that he would leave Parliament after 11 years as an MP and turn his attention to international affairs.

Starmer said it was the “right time” to resign from the Holborn and St Pancras seat in London. He said his future focus would include defence, security, trade and technology in a rapidly changing world. His departure will trigger a by-election.

Starmer stepped down as Labour leader this summer after two turbulent years in power. Andy Burnham took over as prime minister in July, according to the report, after pressure mounted from Labour MPs.

The former human rights lawyer helped revive Labour’s centre-left political standing and led the party to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. But he became deeply unpopular during his time in office and eventually resigned after a series of political missteps.

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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.