Hartlepool mayor's charity hope after she is elected for another year

Cllr Brenda Loynes, who represents the Rural West ward, was elected as ceremonial mayor at the Hartlepool Borough Council annual meeting at the Borough Hall on Tuesday evening.

She has been in the role since May 2019 and councillors have now voted by 23 votes to 13 for her to stay in the position ahead of Labour nominee Cllr Amy Prince.

Cllr Mike Young, Conservative and Rural West colleague of Cllr Lonyes, was voted for by councillors to be deputy ceremonial mayor for the year, again ahead of Cllr Prince.

Speaking at the annual council meeting after being elected and signing the declaration of office, Cllr Loynes paid tribute to those who selected her for the position.

She also urged everyone to continue following Covid-19 guidelines and expressed her hopes to raise more money for charity.

She said: "I just want to say thank you to everyone that has voted for me.

"The first 10 months of my time as ceremonial mayor started two years ago. I didn't raise as much money as I wanted to for the three charities that I chose, but we are where we are, we've had a terrible last 14/15 months.

"Keep washing hands, keep our distance and let's stay safe."

During her first term as ceremonial mayor, Cllr Loynes raised money for Pansies Breast Cancer Support Group, a charity she said was very close to her heart, along with the Great North Air Ambulance Service and anti-domestic abuse service Harbour.

In February she also launched a new award scheme to recognise those who have made a difference to Hartlepool during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She was nominated for the role by council leader Cllr Shane Moore, which was seconded by Cllr Young.

Responsibilities of the mayor include formally representing the borough in civic ceremonies such as opening public buildings or welcoming royal visits and having a considerable role in supporting charitable organisations.

The ceremonial mayor also takes the role of chairing full council meetings and has the responsibility of "upholding and promoting the purposes of the constitution" along with being the "the conscience of the council.”

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