Manchester City Council Leader and Chief Executive have paid tribute to Eamonn Boylan OBE, whose death was announced today.
Eamonn served as the Council’s Interim Chief Executive for several months in 2024 and 2025 and as its Deputy Chief Executive 2001-2008. He held a number of other senior roles in Greater Manchester, including as the first Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority between 2017 and 2024.
A Book of Condolence has been opened in Central Library, in Shakespeare Hall (the main entrance) for anyone wishing to pay tribute.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, 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 Manchester City Council, 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.”
