Sir Richard Leese to step down after 25 years at the top

Sir Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester City Council, has announced that he will step down after 25 years in the role.

Sir Richard, who has been describes as a “towering figure” by council chief executive Joanne Roney, will leave the post on 1 December.

The decision to step down reflected his “personal priorities” over the next year including spending more time with his family and grandchildren.

In a statement he said: “This is an entirely personal decision reflecting my personal priorities for the next few years.

“I want this to be my decision, it had to happen at some time and this is as good a time as any. “My commitment to the city and the city region remains undiminished and I am confident that with a strong body of councillors determined to deliver the Our Manchester Strategy supported by an excellent political executive, a Strategic Management Team as good as it has ever been, thousands of great council workers, hundreds of enthusiastic partners and good potential candidates to take my place, the work will continue to enable Covid containment and recovery, and build a healthier, wealthier, happier, fairer and greener Manchester.

“It has been an enormous privilege to serve the people of Manchester over this period of time and my heartfelt thanks goes to the thousands of people who have worked with us over the last 25 years.”

An important statement. Well I think so pic.twitter.com/ifSmNq091Q

— Sir Richard Leese (@SirRichardLeese) September 7, 2021

Sir Richard was part of the top team – with former council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein – that reimagined the city centre of Manchester after the IRA bomb ripped through it in 1996.

He was involved in the consequent transformation of the city, which had already been selected to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

The games boosted the city’s international profile and kick-started the transformation of East Manchester, involving the construction of the stadium which is now home to Manchester City FC.

Sir Richard, who was knighted in 2006, was also central to the negotiation of Greater Manchester’s devolution deals with government.

Joanne Roney said: “Sir Richard is a towering figure in the life of Manchester, which has been transformed during more than a quarter of a century of his leadership from a declining, post-industrial city to the fastest growing city in the UK which can face the future with confidence.

“His leadership and consistent vision have been integral to that turnaround, guiding the city’s remarkable regeneration and playing a key role in devolution and the integration of health and social care.

“He has also helped lead the city through some difficult times, including the aftermath of the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack and most recently of course the challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The strength of the foundations his drive and dedication have helped build over the decades mean that his legacy will endure – from the huge Victoria North development which is transforming the north of the city with much-needed housing and a new river side park – to the city’s commitment to tackling climate change to the improved Greater Manchester-wide health system, you don’t need to look very far to see his influence.

“We have long-term strategies in place, including the overarching Our Manchester Strategy, which set out a vision for the thriving, inclusive city we aim to be and how we get there, so that everybody has the chance to share in that success.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside Richard, and together with the rest of Manchester’s leadership team I look forward to continuing that work.”

In a twitter post, Labour leader Kier Starmer said: Driven by Labour values and commitment to his city, @SirRichardLeese has been a phenomenal council leader and a credit to Manchester. He’s shown what Labour in power can deliver.

“We’re all grateful to him for what he’s achieved and I wish him all the best for the future.”

Mayor Andy Burnham also posted saying: “PMs apart, it’s hard to think of a politician on local or national stage who’s made more of a real-world impact than Richard Leese.

“Manchester is today a city transformed from the one of my youth and Greater Manchester is immeasurably stronger. From us all, Richard – thank you.”