Tributes are pouring in for long-serving Manchester councillor Pat Karney, who has died aged 78 after serving the city for almost half a century.
Cllr Karney, who was receiving treatment for cancer and was grateful for the excellent care he received at The Christie, represented Harpurhey as a councillor since 1979 and was one of the city's most prominent politicians for much of that time.
Champion of north Manchester
Closest to his heart was always Collyhurst/Harpurhey and north Manchester, enthusiastically advocating investment in, and celebration of, the area.
Council Leader Cllr Garry Bridges said: "Pat was a giant of Manchester politics and one of the city's most recognisable public figures for nearly 50 years. He was truly a one-off and someone whose loss the city will feel deeply."
Political legacy and civic pride
"Pat was Manchester through and through and he never lost his determination to champion the city or his astute political judgement. It is typical of his commitment that he was working on behalf of his constituents right until the end."
"He never lost his connection with where he came from - he was proud to be from Collyhurst and to represent the people of Harpurhey and Collyhurst."
"Pat loved this city and civic pride really mattered to him. He was the driving force behind important events like Manchester Day and our Christmas festivities which he began planning earlier each year. In recent years he strongly supported Harpurhey Together and argued passionately for more local events celebrating all that is good in our neighbourhoods."
Influence on Manchester's renaissance
"He's played an influential role in Manchester's renaissance and driven improvements in the city centre – standing up for its businesses and attractions, while being outspoken about where he thought change was needed, such as in Piccadilly Gardens."
"While he was deeply serious about his politics and his values, he had a great sense of fun and wasn't afraid to put himself in the spotlight or use a gimmick or two to get his message across."
"For us in the Council, we knew the Pat that everyone else knew but we also knew him as a friend – someone who was always there with sage advice. We will miss him personally as much as we miss him politically."
