Our former director Chris Murray pays tribute to the man who did so much for Manchester and other big cities.
A unique and towering figure in local government, as he was in many people’s lives, Howard was all about impact, getting it done. In negotiations his peerless strategic thinking, always several steps ahead, often left baffled officials thinking, ‘what just happened?’ as he left the room with exactly what he came for.
Yet behind that driven intelligence was a man of deep compassion who cared about the ‘why’ as well as loving the puzzle of ‘how’. In essence, all about changing lives for the better. Particularly in Manchester, and although the ripples of his achievements spread way beyond, they never went to his head.
Seriously focused he could also be riotously, irreverently funny, bringing us close to tears on more than one conference call. Away from meetings he was generous with both time and advice, and the occasional glass of decent Bordeaux.
Howard’s incredible legacy does not need to be listed, its all around us. Here in Manchester, and right across the UK, the regeneration, innovation and changed landscape of local governance that owes so much to his work. And it’s there too in the many people and organisations he worked with, mentored, passed on some hint of those abilities who in a sense continue what he set in motion. For Core Cities, he simply took us to a different level.
His passing leaves a massive and unfillable gap, particularly for his family and closest friends, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.