The former British prime minister, Keir Starmer, has announced his resignation as the Member of Parliament representing Holborn and St Pancras, ending his 11-year tenure in the constituency.
Starmer, who stepped down as prime minister in June, said he decided to leave the House of Commons after reflecting on his future.
“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.
“I will also continue, as I have done for a long time now with others, to work on combating violence against women and girls; that is an issue that matters to me hugely.”
Starmer’s announcement came just hours before Andy Burnham, his successor, was scheduled to deliver his first statement in the Commons as prime minister.
The former prime minister had previously indicated that he would remain an MP until the next general election, which is scheduled for 2029.
His decision to leave Parliament earlier than planned will trigger a by-election to determine his successor in the constituency.
Former British prime ministers have often continued serving as MPs after leaving No 10.
Rishi Sunak remains the MP for Richmond and Northallerton, while Liz Truss continued as an MP until she lost her seat to Labour in the 2024 election.
Theresa May also remained in Parliament for five years after leaving Downing Street.
However, Boris Johnson and David Cameron both resigned from the House of Commons shortly after leaving the premiership.