Toronto’s mayor abruptly resigned after admitting to having a relationship with a former employee.
Shortly after the Toronto Star reported that he had an affair with the 31-year-old woman, whom he did not name, John Tory made his announcement.
According to him, the relationship began during the COVID-19 pandemic and was “ended this year by consent of both parties.”
The relationship was described by the 68-year-old as “a serious error in judgement.”
In a statement, Mr. Tory said: “I am deeply sorry and I sincerely apologise to the residents of Toronto and to everyone else who was harmed as a result of my actions.”
“Most of all, I apologise to my wife, Barb, and to my family, whom I’ve let down more than anyone else,” he added.
Mr Tory said he would work with city employees and deputy mayor Jennifer McKelvie to ensure an orderly transition to a new administration.
He added: “I deeply regret having to step away from a job that I love in a city that I love even more.”
“I believe, in my heart, that it is best to fully commit myself to the work that is required to repair these most important (family) relationships as well.”
He took office in December 2014, having beaten Doug Ford and Olivia Chow in the election.
Mr. Tory was re-elected in 2018 and clinched a third term in office four years later.
A by-election at a later date will be held to determine the elected successor to Mr Tory.