The growing Labour team on Breckland Council now has a new leader.

Councillor Harry Clarke has been elected to head the group, taking over from Terry Jermy, who is standing down after 12 years in the role.

Mr Clarke said he was "very honoured and proud" to take on the group's top job.

The Dereham-Withburga ward councillor said: "I’ve seen the group grow from two to three, then seven, and following the recent success at May’s election we have a 12-strong group.

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“Under my leadership, we will continue to stand up for residents, speak out and hold the council’s Conservative administration to account."

Dereham Times: Harry Clarke, Breckland councillor,Harry Clarke, Breckland councillor, (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Clarke was first elected to the council in 2015. He said causes he is passionate about include the NHS, transport and planning issues, children’s centres, and preventing flooding.

He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Health and the Royal Society of Medicine and describes himself as an "allotment holder and cricket fan".

Thetford councillor Stuart Terry has been chosen to serve as Mr Clarke's deputy.

The Labour group is the largest opposition on Breckland Council, so Mr Clarke now becomes leader of the opposition.

Dereham Times: Harry Clarke (middle) has been elected as the new leader of district Labour group, taking over from Terry Jermy (left). Thetford rep Stuart Terry to serve as his deputyHarry Clarke (middle) has been elected as the new leader of district Labour group, taking over from Terry Jermy (left). Thetford rep Stuart Terry to serve as his deputy (Image: Submitted)

Mr Jermy said it was time for a change. 

He said: “It has been my pleasure to serve as leader of the Labour group and I am grateful for everyone’s support over that time – both fellow members and officers.

“Having been elected as vice-chair of council in May this year as well as chair of scrutiny, the time felt right to hand over.

"Harry has considerable experience having been a councillor for eight years, serving as my deputy for many of them.

"It is a testament to his hard work and dedication that he was re-elected this year in his ward with a significantly increased share of the vote and majority.”