Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday that he is standing down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.

The decision will trigger a by-election in the north London constituency, which Starmer has represented since 2015. He made the announcement in a statement to the Camden New Journal, saying it had been a "huge honour and privilege" to represent the area for 11 years.

Starmer, who resigned as prime minister in July amid internal Labour Party pressure, said he was ready to "pass the baton to a successor." He indicated his focus would shift to international affairs, including defence, security, trade and technology. He also plans to continue work on combating violence against women and girls.

"Over the summer, I have had time to reflect and consider my future," Starmer stated on social media. "I have decided that now is the right time to step down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras and hand the baton over to a successor."

The announcement comes after weeks of speculation about whether Starmer would remain in Parliament following his departure from Downing Street. He had previously indicated in a BBC interview that he intended to serve as a backbench MP until the next general election, due by 2029.

Andy Burnham replaced Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister in July after a period of declining support for the government. Starmer's exit from the Commons will provide an early electoral test for Burnham's leadership in a traditionally safe Labour seat.

A by-election date has not yet been set, as it awaits Starmer's formal resignation from the seat. The contest could attract interest from other parties, including the Greens, given recent local election results in the area.

Starmer expressed continued support for the current Labour government and its prime minister in his statement.