OPINION: Straight to work for Ipswich's new Labour MP

There have been some special moments, not least ‘swearing in’ to officially become an MP.

I was incredibly proud to do so, but also was another strong reminder that I am here to serve our town.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott (Image: Contributed)

It could be easy to get lost in the pomp and ceremony, and some of the traditions of this place seem outdated at best, but you almost have to shut those things out so you can concentrate on the things that matter. 

Like any ‘job’ there is a bedding in period. You have to do training and other inductions. Get logged onto your new email address and other computer systems.

Even the basics like finding out where the toilets are and where you can go to get a coffee.

Yet, unlike many other jobs, there is no notice period.

I was elected as the new MP for Ipswich on Friday and was at work in my new role on Sunday.

I have to hire a new team quickly, so they can help support me in my role, whether that is to help constituents with their casework or to help me most effectively bring our local issues to Parliament. 

Because of the huge volume of new MPs, I won’t likely be allocated an office for another fortnight or so.

It is a bit like musical chairs at the moment. We are currently able to ‘hot desk’ in the library or some other side rooms, so please bear with me and my team as we look to get set up as quickly as possible. 

Equally, I know that while some of these things will take a little time, people can’t wait for change.

That is why I have been so encouraged about how quickly Keir Starmer and his Cabinet have acted, making swift decisions in a number of areas. 

Our new Prime Minister has looked to bring real talent and expertise to the fore, and has not been afraid to think outside the box in order to form a first class Government - it is nothing less than the country deserves. 

Take James Timpson, for example.

While also being a successful business person, James has a long record for championing the rehabilitation of offenders at his family firm.

Now, he has been appointed prisons minister, a round peg fitting a round hole. We have not enjoyed much of that in politics in recent years. 

It is not just about personnel either, our new Labour Government is driving change through policy and diplomacy - reversing the ban on onshore wind, establishing the National Wealth Fund and reaffirming Britain’s place on the world stage at the NATO summit. 

Ipswich and our country voted for a grown up, pragmatic, proactive Labour government, focused on delivering for the British people, and undoing the last 14 years of chaos. That is exactly what we are committed to doing, and we have hit the ground running. 

England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates following the UEFA Euro 2024, semi-final match at the BVB Stadion Dortmund in Dortmund (Image: PA)

Finally, a huge congratulations to Gareth Southgate and his England squad for reaching another European Championship final. 

The performances haven’t always been memorable, but being able to grind out results even when not playing well - on the biggest stage - shows incredible resilience and unity, key ingredients for any winning team.

The game against the Netherlands showed a team coming into form just at the right time, plus, no-one will remember the quality of football in the group stage if we win the tournament.

Let’s hope the men’s team can follow the Lionesses’ Euros success in 2022 and bring football home on Sunday.