Richard Leese was elected to Manchester City Council in 1984. He became Leader of the Council in 1996.

 

Richard’s political interests include devolution, place-based budgets and the links between economic development and social policy, developing open democracy and the community leadership role of local authorities; and the role of cities in creating a sustainable future. He has a number of additional responsibilities including Director of Manchester Airport Holdings Ltd, Deputy Mayor and Vice Chair of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Chair of the LGA City Regions Board.