Council chief executive will step down next spring

Howard Bernstein has announced he will retire next spring, after 19 years leading Manchester City Council.

As chief executive of the council, Bernstein (pictured) is widely considered one of Britain鈥檚 most successful local authority leaders, having helped regenerate huge swathes of Manchester during his tenure.

Bernstein has also been a leading voice in the 鈥楴orthern Powerhouse鈥� initiative - which today gets a dedicated think tank launched by former chancellor George Osborne.

He also helped broker the first city deal and a combined authority for Greater Manchester, giving the region greater devolved powers over transport and housing.

Bernstein said there was 鈥渟till considerable work to do in the months ahead鈥�, adding that his focus on the city 鈥渨ill not be diminished鈥�.

He added: 鈥淚t has been a privilege to serve the city during such a pivotal period, working with many excellent people both within the council and in public and private partner organisations.鈥�

Greater Manchester will elect its first mayor next May. Andy Burnham was selected as Labour鈥檚 candidate last month.

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