He gave city its swagger back

Whether it be rebuilding Manchester after the IRA bomb in 1996, securing the Commonwealth Games or getting a deal for devolution, Sir Howard Bernstein talked big - and delivered

- Neal Keeling

HIS sartorial style was atypical of the staid local government corridors of power. His immaculate wardrobe included ever-present scarves, vivid socks, suits and sovereign rings.

The 'armour' was part of his personality. It reflected the success he had achieved, always putting his beloved city of Manchester and the wider region at the heart of each and every grand plan.

Everything he did, he did for his city. He was a man who got stuff done, a master dealmaker.

Sir Howard Bernstein, the former chief executive of Manchester council, who has died aged 71, was a fixer-in-chief whose visions reshaped Manchester. He talked big - and delivered.

He was one of a trio of key players whose influence propelled a once tired looking city onto the international stage. Together with Labour council leaders Graham Stringer and Sir Richard Leese, Sir Howard brokered deals others could only dream of.

Reversing decades of decline, he oversaw the city's remarkable transformation from the post-industrial doldrums of the 1980s to the modern city of today.

He knew that to grow and prosper, Manchester had to work closely with the private sector and politicians, whatever their allegiances. Sir Howard, knighted in 2003, stepped down in 2016, 45 years after joining the town hall staff as an 18-year-old junior whose first task was to wash teacups.

He went on to hold advisory roles at Deloitte, the University of Manchester and Manchester City's parent company City Football Group, among others. He was also named an honorary president at City and president at Lancashire Cricket Club.

Sir Howard's incredible legacy includes the regeneration of Hulme - one of the most 'important experiences' of his life - bringing the Commonwealth Games to the city; the success of Manchester Airport; the rebuild after the 1996 IRA bomb; the Metrolink network; the Bridgewater Hall and devolution.

'MANCHESTER HAS LOST ONE OF ITS FINEST'