Manchester leaders pay tribute to the Queen and recall her visits to the city

City leaders in Manchester have joined tributes to the Queen who has died at the age of 96.

Her Majesty passed away at Balmoral on Thursday with her family close by.

Among those to issue tributes tonight were the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Donna Ludford and the Manchester City Council leader, Bev Craig.

Coun Ludford said: “The city of Manchester shares the nation’s sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, but also the sense of gratitude for her long reign and service to the nation.”

Coun Craig added: “Queen Elizabeth II has been the national figurehead for as long as most of us can remember, a symbol of continuity and stability through changing and sometimes turbulent times.

“We remember her visits to the city over the years, both on happy occasions such as when she opened the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and darker moments such as when she helped comfort young people injured in the 22 May 2017 terror attack at Manchester Arena.

Mayor Andy Burnham said: “She served the nation with incredible dedication and dignity. On behalf of all Mancunians, we share the nation’s sorrow and extend our condolences to the Royal Family and the whole country.”

“On behalf of everyone in Greater Manchester, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Queen Elizabeth II has been an ever-present in our lives. Our sense of loss is profound because she gave us all so much. As the longest reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom, she gave our communities and our country the greatest possible service and guidance. For that, and for her exceptional life, we give thanks.”

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “I would like to join the Mayor of Greater Manchester in offering my deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family following the sad news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“As the longest-serving female Head of State in world history, the Queen worked alongside 15 Prime Ministers and was a source of inspiration to many women working in the public sphere.

“Her dedication to and support for charitable causes has also benefitted so many of our citizens. Her Majesty acted as patron to over 600 organisations and charities - helping to raise hundreds and thousands of pounds during her reign.

“Our city-region mourns the passing of Her Majesty, while her legacy and achievements will continue to be remembered and appreciated by people here across Greater Manchester far into the future.

Dave Russel, Chief Fire Office, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “On behalf of my colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all GMFRS fire stations as a mark of respect to the Queen.

“The fire service will always be grateful to the Queen for when she paid a visit to our headquarters alongside the Duke of Edinburgh. Our long service firefighters are also appreciative for the recognition the Queen paid to them through the Long Service and Good Conduct Awards along with medals marking her Golden, Diamond and most recently Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”