Tributes have poured in for Eamonn Boylan OBE who has passed away at the age of 66.
Boylan was a dedicated public servant for more than 40 years serving as chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).
He led Stockport Council from April 2010 to April 2017 and was the driving force behind a £1bn programme of investment across Stockport town centre. In 2023, he returned to the town to serve as interim chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation.
He retired from GMCA in 2024 and went on to serve as Interim chief executive of Manchester City Council and of Homes England.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, 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, group chief executive of GMCA, added: “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.”
Mark Roberts, leader of Stockport Council, said: “We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Eamonn Boylan and on behalf of the council, I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to Eamonn’s family, friends and former colleagues at this very difficult time. Stockport is the place it is today because of the strong foundations Eamonn helped to build. His leadership gave our borough confidence, and his legacy can be seen in our town’s physical investment and ambition that carries through to today and the future.
“Eamonn dedicated his life to public service and was held in high regard not just for his professionalism, but for the way he worked with people across the council and across political lines with a focus on always doing the right thing for local communities. On behalf of the council, I would like to thank Eamonn for his service, his commitment to Stockport and the lasting contribution he made to our borough.”
In a statement, Homes England said: “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.”
