Andy Burnham said the Queen 'defined the national character in most of the last century' as he paid tribute to her at Manchester Cathedral.
The Greater Manchester Mayor signed a book of condolence and lit a candle at the cathedral following the death of the monarch, aged 96. The Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig and the Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Donna Ledford also signed the book to pay respects to Her Majesty The Queen.
Speaking after visiting the cathedral, Mr Burnham said the monarch 'provided constancy and consistency for the British people' and defined 'what is it to be British'. In full, he said: "Here in Greater Manchester, as elsewhere, we are absorbing the enormity of yesterday’s news.
READ MORE: How Manchester will pay its respects to the Queen - and celebrate the life of a remarkable monarch
"The period of national mourning and reflection that we go into is important for two reasons, first, as a mark of respect for a truly exceptional life and, of course for the royal family, but also as a moment of true reflection on what Her Majesty the Queen taught us, what she gave us. Because as we go forward from here it will be important to understand that.
"In a world that is ever-changing and very volatile, she provided constancy and consistency for the British people and those are qualities that we all need to learn to value more. She defined the national character in most of the last century and in this, what it is to be British, that mix of stoicism and a sense of humour.
"A great basis on which anybody can face the ups and downs of life, but also stern and serious yet warm and generous at the same time. That’s Queen Elizabeth II as I remember her."
After the news of the Queen's death was announced yesterday, Bev Craig said: "Queen Elizabeth II has been the national figurehead for as long as most of us can remember, a symbol of continuity and stability through changing and sometimes turbulent times.
"We remember her visits to the city over the years, both on happy occasions such as when she opened the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and darker moments such as when she helped comfort young people injured in the terror attack at Manchester Arena.
"She served the nation with incredible dedication and dignity. On behalf of all Mancunians, we share the nation's sorrow and extend our condolences to the Royal Family and the whole country."
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