City Solicitor at Manchester City Council to step down in May 2027

Fiona Ledden qualified as a solicitor in 1985 and has worked in the public sector for more than 40 years.

She has held range of senior leadership positions across local government, including roles at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the London Borough of Brent, the Greater London Authority and the London Borough of Sutton.

Ledden joined Manchester as City Solicitor in 2018, taking up a role that shares services with Salford City Council. 

She also served as President of the Manchester Law Society in 2025. 

Manchester City Council said the process to find her replacement will begin shortly.

Fiona Ledden said: “When it comes to local government and my chosen field, becoming City Solicitor at Manchester City Council is a dream job – and to have been part of this city’s journey for more than a decade is an honour that I am grateful for every day. 

“I begin the journey to a happy retirement knowing that I have played my part in shaping Manchester’s ongoing success, and I hope that I have been able to improve this city, its communities and the opportunities of Manchester people.

“This has been a big decision for me and my family, and I will miss the thrill of watching Manchester grow, succeed and help shape the future of our residents. I will miss my adopted city, but I will be watching and celebrating every success that our residents deserve.”

Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: “Fiona is titan of local government and Manchester has been incredibly lucky to have her in its corner for more than 12years. She is someone who cares deeply about the work we do, how we can work together to improve the lives of our residents, and has been a committed champion of the Our Manchester vision. 

“Professionally Fiona will leave big shoes to fill and will miss the calm and steady hand that has skippered us so deftly through various choppy waters.  But personally, I will also miss her supportive words and kind guidance. We all wish Fiona a happy and well-deserved retirement.”