TRIBUTES have been paid to an "amazing public servant" and adored wife and mother who has died with cancer.

Councillor Brenda Loynes, the ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, died this morning. 

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.”

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A civic funeral will be held in due course. Details will be announced when they are known. 

Cllr Loynes had been a Conservative councillor since 2011 and had served as the ceremonial mayor since 2019, raising thousands of pounds for local charities.

The Northern Echo:

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.”

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Cllr 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.”

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