Stockport MDC pays tribute to its Chair, Lord Bob Kerslake

The board of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation have paid tribute to the Chairman, Lord Bob Kerslake, who died on Saturday.

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE MAYORAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD

It is with deepest sadness the MDC Board have learnt of the passing of its Chair, Lord Bob Kerslake, after a short illness. Our thoughts are with his family at this extremely difficult time.

As part of a life dedicated to public service, Bob led the MDC Board since January 2020 and was the driving force behind its success. His experience, direction, insight and compassion shaped the way in which the MDC has worked and he will be hugely missed by the Board, wider team and anyone who came into contact with him. 

Building consensus and cross-party working, which have been key to the MDC success, will be part of Bob’s many lasting legacies.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council said:

Bob Kerslake has made an immense contribution to public life in both central and local government over many years. His vision, energy, and commitment were legendary. He was kind, astute and always measured and thoughtful in his approach.

Here in Stockport, his chairing of our Mayoral Development Corporation was exemplary. With a contacts book second to none, Bob was a high profile and powerful ambassador for the transformation of our town centre and our ambitious regeneration programme. Scrupulously fair, objective and always far-sighted, he made a massive difference and leaves a lasting legacy for us all.

We will miss him terribly.

Lord Bob Kerslake, the former chief executive of Sheffield City Council and head of the civil service, passed away aged just 68, after a short battle with cancer.

Speaking to Business Desk, the former Leader of Stockport Council Elise Wilson, who continued to work with Kerslake in his work with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said: “It’s so sad, Bob was fundamentally such a decent person. He was kind, committed and had tons of integrity. I’ll really miss him and so will anyone who had the honour of working with him.”