UK ex-PM Starmer to quit parliament, focus on 'international affairs'
This file photo shows Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaving 10 Downing Street in central London on January 14, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Britain's former prime minister Keir Starmer, who stepped down as leader this summer after a tumultuous two years in power, announced on Sept. 1 that he would quit parliament to focus on "international affairs".
In a statement on social media, Starmer said it was the "right time" to resign as the MP for the Holborn and St Pancras seat in London after 11 years, triggering a by-election.
"It is now time to step aside and focus on other issues: international affairs including defense, security, trade and technology in a fast-changing world," Starmer said in his statement.
