Sir Howard Bernstein: Tributes follow death of longtime Manchester chief executive

Tributes poured in after his death Sir Howard Bernstein, former long-time chief executive of Manchester City Council and a well-known city figure.

Sir Howard died today after a period of illness, according to a statement issued by the council.

He was best known as a driving force behind the transformation of modern Manchester in a civic career that spanned four decades.

Bev Craig, current leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Sir Howard has served Manchester with outstanding distinction.

“He will be remembered as a driving force in changing the city from post-industrial decline to the growing, confident and forward-looking city we see today.”

Born in Cheetham Hill, Sir Howard began his career in public life at Manchester City Hall in 1971, rising to the role of Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, where he served for 20 years until his retirement in March 2017.

Key achievements over his long career include leading the rebuilding of the city center after the 1996 IRA bomb incident and leading the 2002 Commonwealth Games project.

He has also been instrumental in the development of major projects in the city, including Spinningfields, Bridgewater Hall and Metrolink.

An avid supporter of Manchester City FC, Sir Howard was its honorary chairman. The club posted an official tribute to X, praising his “contribution and dedication to the development and regeneration” of the city.

After retiring from public life, he became Honorary Professor of Politics at the University of Manchester. The university posted on X:

Sir Howard was a long-time resident of Prestwich. He was married to Lady Vanessa and leaves behind two children, two stepchildren and seven grandchildren.