FORMER MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, Sir Michael Lord, has today taken his seat in the House of Lords - as Lord Framlingham.

He was inducted into the House as part of a batch of 54 new members of the upper chamber after an announcement by Downing Street last year.

Sir Michael, 72, who will sit as Lord Framlingham, was an MP for 27 years until he stood down at last year’s general election.

He was supported by former Commons speaker Baroness Boothroyd, a crossbencher, and Tory Lord Geddes.