Announcement of the death of Councillor Brenda Loynes, the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool

Councillor Loynes passed away peacefully this morning following a long and brave battle with cancer.

A civic funeral will be held in due course and details will be announced once these are known.

Councillor Shane Moore, the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Brenda has been the most amazing public servant, Mayor and friend who was totally committed to residents and the Council she served with pride.

“My thoughts at this very sad time are with her husband Den, their children Mandy and Simon and all of Brenda’s extended family who she absolutely adored and cherished.”

Councillor Brenda Loynes had been a Conservative Councillor since 2011 and had served as the Ceremonial Mayor since 2019, raising thousands of pounds for local charities.

Denise McGuckin, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Managing Director, said: “Brenda was loved and admired by so many people across Hartlepool and I know her loss will also be felt by Council officers who she always had time for. I’ve known Brenda for many years, since before she was a Councillor. She was a good friend and I will miss her.

“There were two things in life that mattered to Brenda more than anything else – Hartlepool and her family and my thoughts are with all those who loved her at this very sad time.” 

Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Conservative Group, said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my time as a Councillor representing the residents and businesses of the Rural West ward alongside Brenda.

“Over the years, she has been a wonderful support and mentor to me and I will miss her dearly.

“It’s such a sad day for Hartlepool and my thoughts and prayers are with Den, Mandy, Simon and all of her family and friends at this time of mourning.”

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Labour Group, said: “Although we represented different political parties, I had the utmost respect for Brenda as her passion was always representing and supporting the good people of Hartlepool.

“Brenda was a truly lovely lady who loved our Borough and loved her family and my thoughts at this time are with Den, Mandy and Simon and all of her family and friends.”

Mrs Sue Snowdon, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, said: “Words cannot describe the great sadness I felt on hearing of the death of The Mayor, Councillor Brenda Loynes.

"She will be remembered for her courage, and determination to carry out her Civic duties throughout her illness.

 "A lovely person, sincere and generous. It was my privilege to have known her and had the opportunity to join her on many civic occasions. 

"My heartfelt condolences go out to her devoted husband Dennis and all her family. She was much loved and touched the lives of many. She will be greatly missed."