Former Manchester council chief executive Sir Howard Berstein has died

Former Manchester City Council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein has died aged 71.

He was born into a Jewish family in Cheetham Hill in 1953, the older of two brothers.

He was married to Lady Vanessa Bernstein, brother to Russell, a loving father to Jonathan and Natalie, and a devoted stepfather to Danielle, Francesca, and Dominique. Sir Howard was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren.

Best known as one of the chief architects of Manchester’s resurgence over the last four decades, he was Knighted for his services to Manchester in 2003.

Sir Howard began his career at Manchester Town Hall in 1971, he then went on to serve as Chief Executive of Manchester City Council for 20 years until his retirement in March 2017.

His family said:

His deep love and passion for Manchester shaped the city we know today, and he remained committed and active in supporting the city up to his passing.

Sir Howard is widely recognised as the driving force behind the transformation of modern Manchester.

Sir Howard's notable achievements include:

• Leading the reconstruction of the City Centre after the 1996 terrorist bomb.
• Spearheading the 2002 Commonwealth Games and associated regeneration and development, including what is now the Etihad Campus and the wider transformation of East Manchester.
• Overseeing major commercial, transport, and cultural projects such as Spinningfields, the expansion of Metrolink, the Bridgewater Hall, Home, the Manchester Conference Centre, the City Art Gallery, and the Factory, part of the St John’s development.
• Leading negotiations for the historic Devolution deal between Greater Manchester and the Government, which included health and social care.

A lifelong supporter of Manchester City FC, Sir Howard served as its Honorary President. He was also the president of Lancashire Cricket for a decade, and after retiring from public life, he became an Honorary Professor of Politics at the University of Manchester.

Manchester City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our Honorary President, Sir Howard Bernstein.

Sir Howard’s contribution and dedication to the development and regeneration of Manchester was remarkable, and his passion for our football club was clear for all to see.… pic.twitter.com/6b5GzyHoMQ

— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 22, 2024

Many tributes have been paid to Sir Howard since the announcement of his death. 

Bury Council Chief Executive, Lynne Ridsdale said: "Very sad to hear of the death of Sir Howard Bernstein, former chief executive of Manchester City Council.

"Sir Howard lived in Prestwich and was a great champion of our borough. Deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.” 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham has said the city region is a 'poorer place for his loss' in his tribute. 

Andy is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Howard Bernstein today and has shared his tribute to him below. pic.twitter.com/a5Lx3V1Ofv

— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) June 22, 2024

Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Chief Executive Eamonn Boylan said Sir Howard had a determination to deliver. 

Eamonn is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Howard Bernstein and has shared his tribute below. pic.twitter.com/iP7fXgZ9Q9

— Greater Manchester Combined Authority (@greatermcr) June 22, 2024