Leese, Richard Sir, CBE

Leese

Sir Richard Leese CBE grew up in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. After graduating from the University of Warwick, he worked as a teacher in Coventry and as an exchange teacher in the USA before moving to Manchester to take up a post as a youth worker. Richard was employed variously in youth work, community work, and education research between 1979-1988 before been elected to the City Council in 1984. Sir Richard was Deputy Leader from 1990 to 1996, having previously Chaired the Education Committee (1986-90) and Finance Committee (1990-95).

 

Political interests include 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.

Richard is heavily involved in regeneration activity including being on the board of the East Manchester Urban Regeneration Company. He is also Chair of Manchester Airport Group’s Shareholders’ Committee.