Borough leaders have paid respects to a pioneering council boss who leaves behind an "enormous legacy" following his death.

Sir Howard Bernstein, who lived in Prestwich, has died aged 71 following a period of illness.

Sir Howard, from Cheetham Hill, served as chief executive of Manchester City Council for 19 years from 1998 to 2017 and worked at the council as a whole for 46 years.

He played a vital role in resurging Manchester city centre after the 1996 IRA bomb and was "integral" in developing relationships between Greater Manchester's 10 councils.

Sir Howard's brother, Cllr Russell Bernstein, Bury's Conservatives Party leader, said: "Howard, as we all know, touched so many people's lives during his remarkable career, but it is as my big brother that I will remember him.

"Howard and I had significant differences regarding our football teams and our politics as many people know, but these differences only enhanced the great relationship we had, and in their own way contributed to the many things we shared together.

"I am a proud brother of the enormous legacy Howard leaves across Greater Manchester and beyond. Manchester has lost one of its finest."

Bury Council leader, Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, has recognised the contribution Sir Howard made to the borough.

He said: "Sir Howard delivered a huge amount for local government and Greater Manchester.

"In recent years he also used his expertise and experience to support our regeneration plans in Radcliffe.

"My thoughts are prayers are with his brother Russell and the whole family.

"He will be greatly missed."

Council chief executive Lynne Ridsdale added: “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."

Manchester City Council leader, Cllr Bev Craig, also praised Sir Howard for his contribution to the region.

She said: “Sir Howard served Manchester with remarkable distinction.

"He will be remembered as a driving force in the city’s turnaround 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 46 years at the council, serving as chief executive between 1998 and 2017, he played an integral role in the regeneration and economic growth of the city, from the city centre’s resurgence after the 1996 IRA bomb and the 2002 Commonwealth Games and transformation of East Manchester to the creation and extension of Metrolink.  

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

“He leaves an incredible legacy in the transformation of the city. 

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”