Tribute to Sir Howard Bernstein

The Leader of Manchester City Council has paid tribute to former chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein, who has died aged 71 after a period of illness.

Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said:

"Sir Howard served Manchester with remarkable distinction. He will be remembered as a driving force in the city's turnaround from post-industrial decline to the growing, confident and forward-looking city we see today.

"He had boundless energy, strategic vision and a passion for Manchester. In 46 years at the Council, serving as chief executive between 1998 and 2017, he played an integral role in the regeneration and economic growth of the city, from the city centre's resurgence after the 1996 IRA bomb and the 2002 Commonwealth Games and transformation of East Manchester to the creation and extension of Metrolink.

"He was also integral in the establishment of strong working relationships between the 10 Greater Manchester councils, culminating in the establishment of Greater Manchester Combined Authority in 2011 and a series of historic devolution agreements which transferred power and resources away from Westminster and Whitehall to our region.

"He leaves an incredible legacy in the transformation of the city.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."