GALLERY | Tributes paid to Eamonn Boylan

Senior figures from politics, local government and regeneration have lined up to pay tribute to “an exemplary public servant” following the passing of the former chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Eamonn Boylan died at the age of 66 after a short stay at hospital. A committed public servant, he had helped lead Homes England, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Stockport Council, and Manchester City Council throughout his 45-year career.

Manchester City Council

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council – where Boylan made his name as a long-time deputy to former chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein – said: “I’m shocked and saddened by the loss of Eammon Boylan – a man who loved and contributed immensely to our city.

“Eamonn was a remarkable servant to Manchester and Greater Manchester over his long career and is held in high esteem by everyone who worked with him.

“After a long history of working in local government, including as Manchester’s deputy chief executive before becoming the inaugural chief executive of the combined authority, he led the transformation of Greater Manchester.

“When we needed someone to step up as the Council’s interim chief executive in 2024/25 while we recruited for the permanent role, Eammon was the obvious choice and I was delighted when accepted the chance to help our city.

“He leaves an important legacy in the modern, confident Greater Manchester we see today and the gains we’ve made, especially across regeneration and housing. But he also leaves a human legacy, for those colleagues and friends who knew him so well, and like me will sorely miss him.

“Our thoughts are with Maria, his two children, wider family and friends and all who are affected by his loss.”

Tom Stannard, chief executive of MCC, said: “I am deeply saddened at the news of Eamonn’s sudden passing.  It has been a privilege to work with Eamonn over the years, both in Manchester and across all my previous years in Greater Manchester including as chief executive of Salford City Council.

“He has been a mentor, confidante and adviser to me and many colleagues – always a source of great wisdom, advice and humour in the face of challenges, generous with his time and attention, and someone with an unswerving commitment to improving the whole of Greater Manchester for the benefit of its residents.

“Eamonn was an exemplary public servant and someone who has made a lasting positive impact on the area. He was a wonderful colleague and friend to many, myself included. He will rightly be remembered among the best public servants of Greater Manchester’s recent history. My thoughts, deepest condolences and love are with Maria and his family.”

Homes England

National housing agency Homes England has issued a statement: “We are extremely saddened to learn that Eamonn Boylan has passed away. Last year Eamonn returned to the Agency as interim CEO, having previously served as deputy CEO of our predecessor organisation, the Homes and Communities Agency.

“The Agency was lucky to have benefited from his knowledge, skill and leadership as part of a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years that will have a lasting, positive impact on people, places and communities across the country and in particular in his beloved Manchester, and the north west of England.

“Eamonn guided us through a pivotal year of change with his usual skill, expertise and compassion and has undoubtedly shaped housing and regeneration policy over the years from grass roots to Whitehall and beyond.

“The whole Homes England team, past and present, is grateful to have counted Eamonn as a much-loved colleague, exceptional leader and friend to many. Our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult of times.”

The private sector

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, told Place: “This is a massive loss, Eamonn was a big character – a real force of nature, with the ability to make things happen. Sometimes it was as much what he didn’t say as what he did. I’ll always remember an event immediately after the Manchester Arena bombing, we were all in shock, and Eamonn gave a stirring speech about how that would only make the city come together more strongly – real leadership.

“Another fond memory is from the early days of Regeneration Brainery, when Eamonn put time and effort into being one of the first speakers and mentors, and didn’t flinch from anything. His legacy continues to be felt across the city region – what we’re doing in Stockport is something he set the wheels in motion on.”

Phil Mayall, managing director of Muse Places, said: “We are terribly saddened to hear of Eamonn’s passing. His influence on our work during his time at Stockport, the HCA, GMCA, Manchester and again at Homes England is beyond compare. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.”

Will Lewis, OBI director, said: “This is incredibly sad news. Eamonn was a tremendous help on several projects and it was a pleasure to work with him. A great guy who’ll be much missed.”

Mike Hood, chief operating officer at Landsec, said: “All of us are deeply saddened to learn of Eamonn’s passing.

“Eamonn was the model public servant. A true changemaker, who played a leading role in reshaping Greater Manchester over four decades.

“As chief executive of GMCA, the devolved powers he helped achieve are a major part of an incredible legacy he passes on,” Hood continued.

“I’ve no doubt Eamonn’s successes will be the bedrock of the region’s prosperity for decades to come. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, friends, and all those who worked with him.”

From Greater Manchester and beyond

Joanne Roney, managing director of Birmingham City Council, worked with Boylan extensively during her time as chief executive of Manchester City Council between 2017 and 2024.

“Many people who knew or worked with Eamonn will talk of his brilliant strategic leadership qualities and his many achievements,” she said.

“I knew him personally as a friend as well as a colleague. Our careers have been entwined for years and so has our friendship. When I got the job of chief executive in Manchester – a job Eamonn wanted – despite his disappointed, he was the first to reach out, stand by, and support me.”

She continued: “Quite simply Eamonn was a top bloke, generous with his support, and very funny. We shared so many laughs, even in the tough times.

“He talked always about his love of his family, even Bruce and Sheila the dogs (!) and his unwavering support for Man United despite results!

“Many, many people’s careers benefited from his generous mentoring. Kind, funny, generous – a big heart in a big man, leaving a big gap.”

Sue Johnson, chief executive of Bolton Council, said: “Eamonn Boylan was a tireless public servant who dedicated more than 40 years to improving communities and lives across Greater Manchester.

“Eamonn played a vital role in securing the devolution deals, economic growth and public transport improvements that so many in Bolton are benefiting from today.

“He was always a great champion of Bolton and will be much missed by his many friends in the town hall and across the borough.”

Stockport Council said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Eamonn Boylan OBE.

“Eamonn served as chief executive of Stockport Council from 2010 to 2017 and played a pivotal role in shaping the borough we see today. His leadership helped lay the foundations for long term regeneration and investment, and his impact can still be seen across Stockport and Greater Manchester.

“Above all, Eamonn was deeply committed to public service and was widely respected for the way he worked with colleagues, partners and communities, always focused on doing the right thing and bringing people together. “Our thoughts are with Eamonn’s family, friends and former colleagues at this very difficult time.”

Invest Manchester said: “Eamonn was a great friend to our organisation and sat on the MIDAS board for many years, helping to champion our work and bring transformative investment into Greater Manchester.

“His impact will never be forgotten, and we are incredibly thankful to have been able to call him both a mentor and a friend. Eamonn was a lovely man, who believed in the potential of our city-region and dedicated his life to it. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, he will be deeply missed across Greater Manchester.”

Alison McKenzie-Folan, chief executive of Wigan Council said: “Eamonn Boylan was a dedicated public servant locally and nationally, and as the former chief executive of the GMCA and TfGM, he steered our region through devolution, change, and growth.

“I was privileged to work alongside Eamonn, and am grateful for the support he gave me and our borough over the years. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Greater Manchester Combined Authority

GM Mayor Andy Burnham said: “This is a devastating loss, and my thoughts today are with Eamonn’s family, friends, and all those who knew him.

“Eamonn was the public servant’s public servant, and a giant of English devolution. He led from the front but was rarely in the spotlight, taking every opportunity to lift up and empower those around him.

“At the most crucial moment in Greater Manchester’s devolution journey, he took the foundations laid by past leaders and built it into an effective, efficient machine that continues to deliver. The fact that we are the UK’s fastest-growing city region is a testament to his leadership.

“For the seven years we worked together he was a source of great support, guidance, good humour, and friendship. I will always count myself fortunate to have worked alongside him.”

Caroline Simpson, who has followed in Boylan’s footsteps as chief executive of the combined authority, said: “I am so deeply sorry for Eamonn’s family and loved ones, and for all of us that had the privilege of working closely with him through our careers.

“He was such an influential leader, in Greater Manchester and English devolution, and his impact cannot be overstated. But he was also an inspiration to so many people personally; a friend and a mentor whose massive intellect, humility, humour and kindness shone through every day.

“His dedication and his determination to get things done will leave a lasting legacy here. He will remain an indelible part of the fabric of our city region’s growth and success.”

• This story will be updated regularly 

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