Tributes have been paid to Eamonn Boylan OBE, former chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
Boylan led GMCA and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) from 2017, and TfGM from 2019, through the defining years of English devolution.
Under his leadership, both GMCA and TfGM became trailblazers for devolution, unlocking new powers and responsibilities for Greater Manchester and taking buses back under public control for the first time in 40 years.
He also steered the city region through the aftermath of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 and the response to the coronavirus pandemic, and oversaw the appointment of a new Chief Constable for Greater Manchester Police in 2021.
Why Sir Howard Bernstein continues to hold the keys of power
In 2023, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to local government.
He retired from GMCA in 2024, going on to serve as interim chief executive of Manchester City Council and Homes England.
He was a dedicated public servant for more than 40 years, working across the country and taking on leading roles at local and national level.
Burnham leads tributes
Mayor of Greater Manchester 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.”
GMCA group chief executive Caroline Simpson said: “I am so deeply sorry for Eamonn’s family and loved ones, and for all of us who 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.”
There is a Book of Condolence at Manchester Central Library.
Boylan also served as chief executive of Stockport Council from 2010 to 2017.
A council spokesman said: “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.”
Sir Howard Bernstein
In 2024, he spoke movingly at the packed memorial service for his former colleague and close friend Sir Howard Bernstein.
A diehard Manchester United fan, he gave the opening tribute and joked that as a ‘bitter Red’ he couldn’t bring himself to wear a blue and white scarf, not even for legendary Sir Howard.
The two colleagues had worked together for three decades and Boylan said Sir Howard was a man who ‘identified talent and then backed it’ and ‘delivered time and time again’.