Thetford Town Council elects Carla Barreto as its first Portuguese mayor

A town council with a history rich in mayoral firsts is set to welcome its first Portuguese mayor.

Councillor Carla Barreto has been elected to become Thetford’s first Portuguese Mayor in May 2025, marking a significant milestone for diversity and inclusivity in the community.

Councillor Barretto, originally from Viana do Castelo in Portugal, has been a town representative for six years.

She said: “I am excited to serve this wonderful community. Thetford is a town full of history, diversity, and potential, and I am committed to working hard to support and uplift our residents.

“One of the things that makes Thetford so special is its diverse community. We are a town made up of people from many different backgrounds, and I see this as one of our greatest strengths.

“Each of us brings something unique -different skills, cultures, and perspectives – that add richness and colour to our town. By embracing this diversity, we can build a more inclusive and vibrant Thetford.”

The mayor-elect also said she wants to focus on strengthening community engagement, supporting local businesses and good causes, and enhancing the town’s green spaces and public services.

During her time in office, she was will also be fund-raising for three charities – Citizens Advice Thetford Branch, Meet and Eat Community Café in the town’s Pine Close and the St John’s Way branch of The Benjamin Foundation.

This first joins the history books with another historic mayoral milestone for the town.

In 1904, Allan Glaisyer Minns was the first black mayor of England when he served two one-year terms for Thetford.