Ipswich's two MPs both make maiden speeches in Parliament

The day before he made his first official speech in the House, Mr Abbott had asked a question at PMQs which referenced Ipswich Town's promotion and Norwich's failure to follow them up.

During his speech Mr Abbott said: "One keyboard warrior took particular umbrage at that. His name is Ed Balls and apparently he used to work here."

Keen Canary Mr Balls had pointed out the Tractor Boys' recent lack of success in derby matches - but Mr Abbott told the House that Town fans would be able to cope with the fact there wasn't a derby match next season as the team plays other elite clubs.

Mr Abbott, who highlighted the needs of SEND provision for children and the job opportunities offered by the energy sector, was joined in making his maiden speech by Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Conservative Patrick Spencer.

Patrick Spencer at the Anglia Retail Park in his constituency in Ipswich. (Image: Paul Geater)

He spoke of the agricultural and historic nature of his constituency, including Framlingham Castle and Aspall Cyder.

But also mentioned areas of deprivation that existed in some parts of Ipswich that he represents.

He said: "I count the (Ipswich) wards of Whitton and Whitehouse in my patch. Now Whitton and Whitehouse are two of the most deprived wards in the country.

"Ipswich is, like its football team, by any measure a huge success story but parts of it including many families in Whitton, Whitehouse and parts of Castle Hill, have been left behind."

He said he wanted to help those who felt left behind and wanted to get ahead in life to be able to do so as the local MP for the area.

Both new MPs praised their predecessors - Mr Abbott said Tom Hunt's work to support those with neurodiversity was very important.

And Mr Spencer said Dr Dan Poulter's medical background had been very important both during his work as a junior health minister and in making the case for new developments at Ipswich Hospital.