Labour's Jack Abbott has become the new MP for Ipswich after beating Conservative Tom Hunt by more than 7,000 votes.

Mr Abbott gained more than 19,000 votes after a strong campaign over the last six weeks.

As his result was announced, he said: "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. I won’t. And 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. 

"Ipswich voted for change, now we will get to work to deliver a new future for our town."

Mr Hunt told the audience that whatever he does in the future, Ipswich would retain a place in his heart.

Speaking later he said: "This is not just a loss, it is a real disaster for my party and we now have to look to the future and find a way forward."

He has spoken in the past of his belief that there needs to be a re-alignment of right-wing politics in the UK and of his admiration for Reform UK leaders Nigel Farage and Richard Tice.

He felt Rishi Sunak made a mistake in calling the election now: "Immigration is a major issue and he should have waited to put his plans into action so we could have something to campaign on."

Turnout in Ipswich was 58% - slightly down on recent elections when it averaged about 63%.

Results in full

Jack Abbott (L) 19,009

Tom Hunt (C)*  11,696

Tony Love (RUK) 7,027

Adria Pittock (G) 3,656

James Sandbach (LD) 2,241

Freddie Sofar (Com) 205

Terry Charles (Heritage) 151

Turnout 58% - majority 7,313