Andy Burnham leads moving tributes to Sir Howard Bernstein, the architect of modern Manchester

Andy Burnham led moving tributes from across the world of politics and sport to Sir Howard Bernstein, widely recognized as the architect of modern Manchester.

During his time at the mayor’s office, Sir Howard helped secure a string of extraordinary breakthroughs for the city, including the post-IRA bomb rebuild, the Commonwealth Games and the regeneration of Hulme. Born into a Jewish family in Cheetham Hill in 1953, he was the eldest of two brothers. He joined the mayor’s office in 1971 as an 18-year-old office boy before rising through the ranks during a time of huge transformation for the city.

After his family confirmed his death this morning at the age of 71, leading figures from across the political spectrum paid emotional tributes, along with the chairman of his beloved Manchester City, Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

READ MORE: Manchester legend Sir Howard Bernstein has died

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham led the tributes, saying in a statement: “All of us here in Greater Manchester are deeply saddened by the loss of Sir Howard Bernstein. It is no exaggeration to say that without his vision and leadership over four decades of public service, our city-region would not be where it is today I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Sir Howard since I was first elected to Parliament in 2001. I had total admiration for his tenacity in representing the city and. its residents and always appreciated his advice and friendship during that time.

“Sir Howard was the architect of modern Manchester; the regeneration of the city center throughout the 1990s was largely due to his diligent leadership and his ability to build partnerships with the private sector. The success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games left a legacy that is still developing. He felt today that he was someone who got along with everyone and could make strong connections at all levels. Working alongside Sir Richard Leese, he helped raise billions of pounds while ably leading one of the UK’s largest councils.

He added: “Our city-region is a poorer place for his loss.”

Former Tory great and chancellor George Osborne said: “So sad the passing of Howard Bernstein – one of the towering civil servants of the last 50 years – the father of modern Manchester and my partner at the Northern Powerhouse. business can achieve.”

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak paid his own tribute to Sir Howard’s “incredible contribution and legacy”.

He added: “Sir Howard Bernstein’s contribution and dedication to the city of Manchester throughout his life cannot be overstated. His vision and foresight to use sports-led regeneration to revitalize the city was undoubtedly the catalyst that set Manchester on the path to becoming a success. the city that it is today.

“His love of football and his passion for Manchester City in particular was clear to everyone. The club has appreciated his guidance over many years, enabling it to support the continuation of its efforts to revitalize East Manchester and further develop the Etihad Campus. On his death, many people who worked with Sir Howard and valued his friendship will reflect on his incredible life of public service. There can be no doubt that Manchester’s status as a leading post-industrial city is largely down to Sir Howard.”

Former Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese worked alongside Sir Howard for more than three decades. Together, they oversaw the city’s transformation from the post-industrial stagnation of the 1980s to the Manchester we see today.

In an emotional tribute, Sir Richard said: “Howard was a valued friend and colleague for more than 30 years and I am devastated that he has passed away. When I last saw him a few weeks ago, he was still excited about the next stages of regeneration in east Manchester around Ancoats and the Etihad Stadium.

“Manchester is blessed to have had one of the great chief executives of local government, someone whose drive, vision and energy was dedicated to the city he loved. His impact on Manchester is unparalleled. It is a loss for Manchester and Greater Manchester, but even more so. so to his family and my thoughts are with them at this sad time.”

His successor as chief executive of Manchester City Council, Joanne Roney, said in a statement: “Sir Howard was an outstanding public servant who dedicated himself to Manchester and made an enormous contribution to shaping the city we see today . It was a privilege to succeed him as chief. chief executive of this council and dynamic, forward-looking city – both owe a great deal to his legacy.”

Council leader Bev Craig 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.

“He had boundless energy, strategic vision and a passion for Manchester. In his 46 years on the council, as Chief Executive between 1998 and 2017, he was instrumental in the city’s regeneration and economic growth, from the revival of the city center after the 1996 IRA bomb and the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the transformation of the east. Manchester to the creation and extension of Metrolink.

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

“He leaves an incredible legacy in transforming the city. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Following his retirement in 2017, Sir Howard joined the University of Manchester as Honorary Professor of Politics. Reacting to the news of his death, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “Having known Howard for many years, I recognized what a remarkable individual he was. I often sought his advice and wise counsel and I am proud to have had him as a friend.”

Labour’s Manchester Central candidate Lucy Powell said: “Incredibly sad news. Sir Howard completely changed the fortunes and destiny of the city he loved. From the aftermath of the IRA bomb, to the 2002 Commonwealth Games, to the transformation of the city center through economic. and cultural development, his legacy to Manchester is huge and, of course, to the changing fortunes of his beloved Manchester City in their new stadium in East Manchester, he will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Stalybridge Labor candidate Jonathan Reynolds said: “This is very sad news. Howard was an iconic figure who did so much for Manchester. Few people can say they shaped a great city like he did. He handled so many important and difficult moments. , but was also great company for a drink and a chat.

Oldham West candidate Jim McMahon said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sir Howard Bernstein. He was everything you could want in a public servant, working his way up from the desk to Chief Executive of Manchester and a driving force for the North and devolution. A remarkable man.”

Lancashire Cricket Club chairman Andy Anson has paid heartfelt tribute to a man he describes as his “mentor, friend and supporter”. He said: “I am devastated to hear of Sir Howard’s death this morning. He has been my mentor, friend and supporter for many years and I will greatly miss his wise counsel, knowledge and our frequent and entertaining exchanges. Our different footballing allegiances have always been a source of entertaining conversation and I know he would have enjoyed the fact that he left us with the blue side of Manchester in front.

“He made an immeasurable contribution to Lancashire Cricket and his legacy is far-reaching. Many Lancashire supporters will not be aware of his tireless work behind the scenes, but he has given so much to the club and never asked for anything in return. This work includes major infrastructure projects for the club and its wider community, the benefits of which will be felt for decades to come. The redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford over the past 15 years would not have happened without him.

“Under Sir Howard’s leadership, the club has overcome considerable challenges and his incredible work and dedication during those times has helped guide us to a brighter and more sustainable future.”

The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, said: “I am sorry to hear of the death of Sir Howard Bernstein, who did so much to revitalize Manchester and help it become the world-class city it is today. It’s a shame that he didn’t take long to enjoy his retirement.”

MEN editor Sarah Lester posted on X: “It’s hard to put into words what Sir Howard Bernstein has done for Manchester. Maybe you just need to look at the horizon. I have never met anyone with not only vision but an unmatched ability to get things done. ready. He put Manchester and his future first.