Keir Starmer has announced his intention to step down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras. The former prime minister said he now plans to focus on international issues, including defense, security, trade and technology.
According to China Daily, Starmer has decided to step down as an MP just weeks after leaving office as prime minister of the United Kingdom. He had represented Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
Starmer explained that he wanted to focus on international affairs. In particular, he plans to work on defense, security, trade and technology, as well as continue his efforts to combat violence against women and girls.
“Now is the right time for me to step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras and pass the baton to my successor,” Starmer said.
A by-election will be held in the constituency following Starmer’s departure. For the Labour Party, this will be an important test: Holborn and St Pancras is considered a traditionally strong Labour constituency, although the political landscape has changed significantly since Starmer left office as prime minister.
By choosing not to remain a backbench MP after leaving government, Starmer is effectively ending his career in domestic British politics. His next political chapter is likely to focus primarily on international affairs.
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