New Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the Tractor Boys and promised to help businesses in the heart of Ipswich during his first Prime Minister's Questions.

Jack Abbott, the new Ipswich MP, was one of the first MPs to be called to ask a question at the historic event on Wednesday - which is also the last PMQs until September.

He said: "We have much to be proud of in Ipswich, from a thriving arts and culture scene to beautiful parks and a stunning Waterfront.

"Unlike our neighbours from Norfolk we also have a Premier League football side again. The Prime Minister is very welcome to come and see them when Arsenal visit next year.

Jack Abbott, pictured after being elected Ipswich MP, asked Sir Keir a question in the House of CommonsJack Abbott, pictured after being elected Ipswich MP, asked Sir Keir a question in the House of Commons (Image: Paul Geater)

"Despite all those positives, though, over the last 14 years the town centre has been really struggling and desperately needs help.

"Can the Prime Minister lay out to this House what steps he will take to help town centres like Ipswich?

Sir Keir replied: "Can I welcome my honourable friend to his place. I congratulate Ipswich Town on their promotion but I am going to resist the temptation that he puts before me to choose between Ipswich and Norwich!

"But on the town centres he is right that we need vibrant high streets. We need to make the change we were voted in to bring about and that is to replace the business rates system to level the playing field.

"And we will absolutely address regional inequality through our local growth plans."

Speaking later, Mr Abbott said he felt it was important to raise the issue of town centres and was pleased that the PM indicated he was aware of the challenges they faced.

He was hopeful Ipswich's Towns Deal agreement would soon start to show real results - but he was still getting to know all the partners involved in it.

And he's hopeful of persuading the Prime Minister to visit Portman Road for Arsenal's match at the ground on April 19 next year.

He joked: "That will be in the middle of the local election campaign for the county council. He can come out campaigning for us in the morning before going to the match in the afternoon!"