Tributes paid to ‘giant of English devolution’ who served as Greater Manchester chief executive for eight years
Eamonn Boylan, former interim chief executive at Homes England and devolution “giant”, has died aged 66.
Boylan, who spent 40 years as a public servant, was also previously chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority from 2017 to 2024, the “defining years” of English devolution. Before that he was Stockport Council (2010 to April 2017).
He led Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service from 2019 and Transport for Greater Manchester from 2019, and is credited with bringing Manchester’s buses back under public control for the first time in 40 years.
He helped steer the region through the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and its response to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2023, Boylan received an OBE for his services to local government.
He retired from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in 2024, going on to serve as interim chief executive of Manchester City Council and Homes England.
He had previously held the role of deputy chief executive of Homes England’s predecessor organisation the Homes and Communities Agency.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, described Boylan’s death as a “devastating loss.”
He added: “[Boylan] 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.
“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.”
A spokesperson for Homes England said: “[Boylan] 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 [Boylan] as a much-loved colleague, exceptional leader and friend to many. Our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult of times.”
A spokesperson for Manchester-based housing association, MSV Housing, said: “We are so terribly sad to hear the news that our friend and supporter, Eamonn Boylan, has passed away. Eamonn was a huge presence in Greater Manchester - the man that got things done, always for the greater good of our region and its fine people. We will miss him.”
Caroline Simpson, GMCA group chief executive, said: “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.”
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