Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday that he will step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, leading to a by-election in the London constituency.
In a statement, Starmer said he believed it was the right time to leave Parliament and hand over the seat to a successor, reports Xinhua.
“Now is the right time to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras and hand the baton over to a successor,” he said.
Starmer said he would now turn his attention to international affairs, particularly defence, security, trade and technology in a rapidly changing world.
He also pledged his full support to whoever is selected as the Labour candidate for the constituency.
“Whoever is lucky enough to become the Labour candidate here will have my full support and backing,” he said.
Starmer, who had represented Holborn and St Pancras since 2015, resigned as Labour leader and prime minister earlier this year.
He was succeeded as Labour leader by Andy Burnham, who became prime minister on July 20.
