Lasting tribute paid to long-serving Hartlepool Ceremonial Mayor  

Councillor Brenda Loynes was the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool from 2019 until she passed away on 8th February 2022 following a long and brave battle with cancer. She is believed to be the only Mayor in the town’s history to have died in office.

Born in Hartlepool in 1952, the retired financial supervisor was a Ward Councillor for the Park Ward from 2011 to 2012 and then the Rural West Ward from 2012 until her death.

Hartlepool Borough Council paid Brenda a distinctive and lasting tribute by commissioning last year a portrait of her in her Mayoral robes to hang in the Council Chamber in Civic Centre.

The newly-completed portrait, which was painted by Mark Roscoe of the Federation of British Artists, has been unveiled by Councillor Mike Young, Leader of the Conservative Group on the Council and a personal friend of Brenda – as Brenda’s proud husband, former Councillor Dennis Loynes, and their children Mandy and Simon and extended family looked on.

Councillor Brenda Loynes’ husband Dennis with the portrait

Councillor Young said: “Brenda was an outstanding ambassador for the town during her three years as Ceremonial Mayor, during which time she also raised thousands for her chosen local charities.

“Loved and admired, and a good friend to so many, throughout her time as a Councillor she was totally committed to the residents of Hartlepool and to the Council, and it is very fitting that this marvellous portrait of her will now watch over proceedings in the Council Chamber which she knew so well and in which she distinguished herself so often.”

Councillor Brenda Loynes’ husband Dennis and their family pictured beside the portrait following its unveiling

Dennis Loynes said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in the commissioning of this painting.

“It is a very fitting tribute to my late wife, who worked tirelessly for the town throughout her time as a Councillor and as Ceremonial Mayor.”

Councillor Carole Thompson, the current Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool – during whose recent mayoral investiture the portrait was unveiled – said: “Sadly, I did not have the pleasure of knowing Brenda personally, but her reputation preceded her as a kind, warm and generous person and a passionate and tenacious advocate for Hartlepool and its people.

“It is a pleasure to see this very fine tribute now in place in the Council Chamber.”