Redcar and Cleveland Council’s new mayor for 2025/26

Dormanstown ward councillor Ceri Cawley also nominated the two causes she will raise funds for during her 12 months in the ceremonial role.

These include the Chris Cave Foundation set up by Redcar mother Theresa Cave after her son was killed in a stabbing.

The charity campaigns against knife crime, including educating young people in schools.

Mayor Cawley will also raise funds for Morgan House in Boosbeck, east Cleveland, a dedicated centre supporting military veterans.

She said: “I am proud to support these two fantastic charities and help raise much-needed funds so they can continue their important work.

“To be elected as mayor is a great honour and privilege and I look forward to being a good ambassador for our area.”

The mother-of-three, whose father was previously a professional jockey, attended West Redcar Secondary School and Sir William Turner’s College.

As a teenager, she worked at gym which broadened her martial arts knowledge and she achieved her first dan (black belt) in karate at the age of 16.

Cllr Cawley, 43, successfully campaigned for Redcar and Cleveland Council to become the first endometriosis-friendly local authority in the North of England last year. She was diagnosed with the condition when she was in her 20s.

Her investiture, which saw her wear the mayoral robes and chain for the first time, was held at Redcar Civic Centre in the presence of her, now, predecessor Councillor Ian Hart, who took on the duties of mayor in the municipal year 2025/26.

The new deputy mayor is Grangetown councillor Adam Brook.

Cllr Brook said it was a “huge honour” and a “truly special and proud day” for him.

He said he was passionate about making a positive difference for residents across the borough.