22/05/2025: Breckland Council selects 2025/2026 Chairman

Breckland Council has selected its new Chairman for the 2025/2026 year. 

Cllr Samantha Taylor, representative for Attleborough Queens & Besthorpe ward, was appointed by fellow councillors at today's Annual General Meeting (22 May). Cllr Taylor has served as a Breckland councillor since 2023 and previously served as Vice-Chairman. 

After the meeting, Cllr Taylor said: "I am honoured to have been appointed Chairman by my fellow councillors. I look forward to the year ahead representing Breckland, championing communities and businesses, and working collaboratively across the political spectrum to ensure the council delivers for all our residents." 

Following her appointment, Cllr Taylor announced the two charities that she will fundraise for during her term. Her first chosen charity is Nelson's Journey, which supports children and young people in Norfolk who have experienced the death of a loved one. Cllr Taylor cited her personal connection to the charity, which supported her family through the loss of her son. 

As her second charity, Cllr Taylor has selected Chapel Green School in North Buckenham, a school for children with special educational needs. 

Cllr Taylor takes over the Chairmanship from Cllr Keith Gilbert, who added: "I am proud and honoured to have served as Chairman for the last year. It has been a privilege representing our district, and I am thrilled to have raised money for causes that support local people. One unforgettable experience was my skydive for EACH, which is a memory that I will forever cherish - but the best part has been getting to serve my community. 

"I want to say congratulations to Cllr Taylor for being appointed Breckland's new Chairman and wish her all the best of luck during her term in office." 

During his time as Chairman, Cllr Gilbert raised £2674.12 for East Anglia Children's Hospice and £1544.12 for the Big C Cancer Charity. 

Cllr Nigel Wilkin has been elected Vice-Chairman.