New Ipswich MP Jack Abbott: "I'm really excited and up for the challenge"
Jack Abbott tells us he'll be prioritising the town's problems and people
Ipswich's new MP is telling us he'll make improving the town centre one of his priorities.
Labour's Jack Abbott was elected on Friday with a 7403 vote majority, beating Conservative Tom Hunt, who'd held the seat since 2019.
He told Greatest Hits Radio what he'll be focusing on now he's in power: "It's no secret the town centre isn't where we want it to be, so one of the first things I'm going to do is get organisations, councils and business round the table to really look at how we can turn around and revive our town centre.
"I want to know what support they need from me and a Labour government to make sure we can do it.
"Some of it will take time, but I'm really excited and up for the challenge."
Jack also explained he'll be prioritising local people and problems: "I've been knocking on doors in Ipswich for twelve years now and I've never seen the poverty and exhaustion that now exists in Ipswich.
"There's a huge challenge ahead of us to make sure we can start easing pressure on people and their families...
"We're going to bring the town together and build a new future for Ipswich.
Ipswich election results
Jack Abbott, Labour - 19,099 votes
Tom Hunt, Conservative) - 11,696
James Sandbach, Liberal Democrats - 2,241
Tony Love, Reform UK - 7,227 votes
Adria Pittock, Green Party - 3,656
Terence Kevin Charles, Heritage Party - 151
Freddie Sofar, Communist Party of Britain - 205
Jack Abbott's winning speech
After the results were announced MP for Ipswich Jack Abbott stepped up to the podium and delivered his speech:
"Thank you to all the people who have placed their trust in me.
"I feel so humbled to be stood where I am now, and I won’t let you down.
"To all those that didn’t vote for me, I will serve you diligently and tirelessly too.
"No more politics of division. We are going to bring Ipswich together.
"I stood at this General Election because I am proud of Ipswich, because I know we have such potential, and because I want to deliver the change we all so desperately need.
"Now, it is up to me to make those promises a reality.
"People can’t wait for change, and that’s why I’ll be getting to work immediately, to put an end to the chaos of the last 14 years. No more sticking plasters.
"No more gimmicks. Instead, we will have leadership, unity and ambition, plus a lot of hard work. In short, I will be returning this office to one of public service.
"These are the values of Keir Starmer and the Labour Party too.
"Keir has transformed our party, from one focused on itself to one back in the service of the British people. We have campaigned as a changed Labour Party, ready to change Britain. Country before party. Each and every time.
"Ipswich voted for change, now we will get to work to deliver a new future for our town."