Why it matters: The public criticism from Ipswich's MP signals growing frustration over the lack of action on the bypass, which has backing from 10 major employers, thousands of petition signatures, and cross-party political support.
What he's saying: Abbott directly challenged Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy Chris Chambers, stating: "If the Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy doesn't feel he has the strength or the ability to advance this project, and needs my help to do so, he needs to be honest about that, and engage constructively with a genuine desire to finally deliver an Ipswich Northern Bypass."
He added: "At the moment, no one believes he or his administration is committed to the project."
The context: Abbott said it took "months of me having to raise this before Suffolk County Council would even consider the project again" after the authority shelved the bypass in January 2020.
The MP has met repeatedly with Government ministers and raised the issue with the Prime Minister at PMQs, describing the bypass as "a major infrastructure project" rather than "a little road scheme".
He said: "I understand that position won't be universally popular, but I have to lead and act in the long-term interests of our town and our wider county, especially when jobs and investment connected to the Port of Felixstowe are on the line."
What happened in July: Suffolk County Council voted 29-12 with eight abstentions to back calls for the Northern Bypass following a motion by Labour councillor Sandy Martin, successfully amended by the Conservatives.
At the time, Chambers indicated no decision would be made until after elections for the new mayoral authority in May 2026, telling the BBC: "We're not going to build a northern bypass in a year. It will be the mayor that will deliver a northern bypass."
However, those mayoral elections have since been postponed until 2028 after the government delayed them, angering mayoral candidates and raising concerns that infrastructure projects like the bypass would be left in limbo for an extra two years.
Business support: Ten major employers – including Birketts, Willis Tower Watson, University of Suffolk, Suffolk New College, OCS, Ashtons Legal, Barnes Construction, TRU7 Group, Associated British Ports and Ellisons Solicitors – have publicly backed the bypass.
The coalition collectively employs over 3,000 people and generates more than £100 million in GDP.
The bottom line: Abbott vowed to continue his campaign, stating: "I will not accept this 'do nothing' approach any longer, and neither will local people and businesses in our town and county. Ipswich and Suffolk need a Northern Bypass, and it needs their County Council to finally get a grip, act decisively, and deliver the plans."
Suffolk County Council were approached for comment.
