Councillor Ian Hart has been officially invested as the new Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland at a special ceremony held today (Thursday 29 May) at Redcar Civic Centre.
A Liberal Democrat representing the Ormesby ward, Cllr Hart was elected to Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council in 2023.
Born in Cargo Fleet and raised in Park End, Middlesbrough, he has lived in Ormesby for most of his life. With a background in chemistry and education, Cllr Hart has worked in research, consultancy, and IT, and even spent some time in Australia. More recently, he dedicated several years to caring for his mother who had dementia.
A passionate community advocate, Cllr Hart founded the Ormesby Library Friends Group in 2010 and continues to serve as its chair. He also took up bell ringing and is Tower Captain at St Cuthbert’s Church and a member of its Parochial Church Council.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr Hart said:
“To be elected as Mayor is a great honour and privilege and I lookforward to being a good Ambassador for our area.”
During his term, Cllr Hart will support two local charities, Footprints in the Community, which helps people facing poverty and isolation, and St Cuthbert’s Church Tower Restoration Fund.
The new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Ceri Cawley, Labour councillor for Dormanstown Ward.
The ceremony also paid tribute to outgoing Mayor, Councillor Neil Bendelow, who served during 2024/2025. Cllr Bendelow, who represents South Bank Ward, attended over 160 engagements during his term while continuing to work full-time for the Post Office.
Reflecting on his year, Cllr Bendelow said:
“I can honestly say this has been one of the best years of my life. Meeting so many different people and characters, it has been a great honour to be Mayor of the borough.”
He raised a record-breaking £28,700 for his chosen charities, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice and St John’s Church, South Bank, through a series of community events, including a charity ball, race night, and Christmas concert.
The ceremony featured musical performances by 14-year-old George Robinson, a Rye Hills School pupil and rising local star known for his classic crooner style.