Mid Norfolk currently has District Councillors in Dereham and Town and Parish Councillors in Dereham, Mattishall and Necton. Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner is also a Mid Norfolk Labour member.

Breckland Council

Kendra Cogman – Dereham Toftwood

Kendra lives in Toftwood with her husband and family. She has a degree in ecology and is a qualified teacher who left the classroom some years ago to work for the now National Education Union, to represent and support the rights of people working in education. Kendra is Co-Chair of Governors for Toftwood Infant and Junior School Federation. She is passionate about making Dereham the best it can be and that is why she stood for election as one of Labour’s candidates in Toftwood, where she has lived for the past 14 years.

As a parent she shares the worries so many have about the cost of living, local schools, and opportunities for young people. As a qualified ecologist, Kendra is particularly interested in environmental issues, and in protecting Toftwood from over development.

Kendra is also a Dereham Town Councillor.

Harry Clarke – Dereham Withburga 

Harry has been a Councillor at Breckland Council for eight years and has consistently stood up for the local residents he represents. He has had a busy start to 2023, supporting the campaign to protect Dereham’s green spaces in which nine areas of land have been identified by Breckland Council as potentially for sale. He was pleased to be joined by more than 60 residents recently at a rally to show disapproval of these proposals and is committed to working with other Labour colleagues to help prevent the sale of these valuable spaces.

Along with Kendra, Harry has been a Town Councillor for Dereham for many years.

Ray O’Callaghan – Dereham Withburga

As a local born and raised, and with family still living in the town, Ray has a deep love for Dereham and wants to help it thrive. He wants to make sure that our town’s green spaces are retained, that expansion is managed to make sure local residents have the infrastructure they need – such as GP surgeries and play areas. Ray is Councillor for Withburga at Breckland Council and is also a Town Councillor for Dereham.

Sarah Taylor – Dereham Toftwood

Sarah has lived in Dereham since 2016. As a carer for a family member, she is particularly concerned about the impact that Council budget cuts have on people in Toftwood and in Dereham more widely. Sarah has a strong vision for Toftwood, informed by discussions with residents and businesses, and works as a team with Kendra to serve the wider community.

For more than 20 years, Sarah worked as an engineer in the highways and transportation sector. In May 2024, she was elected by residents across Norfolk as the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Town and Parish Councillors

Joe Sisto – Necton Parish Council

Joe has lived in Necton with his wife for almost 40 years, having raised his son and daughter in the village. He is a long-standing elected member of Necton Parish Council and as a local businessman he knows the challenges of working and running a business in a rural area. He volunteers at the community centre, church, and Necton Football & Social Club.
​
He is particularly keen to address the need for affordable homes, take action to stop fly-tipping and flooding, and help prevent more unsuitable developments.