Toronto Mayor John Tory will step down on Friday.
Tory submitted his resignation to the city secretary on Wednesday night, notifying John D. Elvidge that he would be resigning effective February 17, at 5:00 p.m.
In the letter, Tory said he will spend the next two days meeting with staff and Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, who will act as acting mayor after he leaves, to ensure an orderly transition.
“I want to thank the people of Toronto for trusting me as Mayor since 2014. I continue to apologize deeply and deeply to the people of Toronto and to all those hurt by my actions, no exceptions,” Tory wrote.
“This is the work of a lifetime, and although I have let many people, including myself, down in this case, I am extremely honored to have had the opportunity to serve the people of the city.” this wonderful city for more than eight years and I hope I have achieved something good for the city that I really love.”
In a statement, the city confirmed that the secretary received Tory’s notice of resignation, saying Elvidge was working with the city manager and McKelvie on next steps.
“The Mayor’s resignation does not affect the mayor’s appointment to Commissions or other agencies. All decisions made by the mayor to date remain in effect,” the statement read.
Tory’s resignation letter comes hours after the 2023 capital and operations budget was approved. He has said that he will leave the position once the budgeting process is over.
It was five days before Tory announced his intention to step down as mayor in a last-minute press conference where he revealed his affair with an employee from his office during the pandemic. pandemic.
He said the relationship “did not meet the standards by which I consider myself mayor and as a family man,” which ended this year.
“Although I deeply regret leaving the job I love, but in the city that I love even more, I believe in my heart, it is best to devote yourself fully to the necessary work. to mend these most important relationships,” Tory said.
Several councilors known to be key allies of the mayor tried to persuade him to reconsider his decision. Ahead of Wednesday’s budget meeting, Speaker Frances Nunziata said: “It would be a disaster if he resigns” and offered Tory leave.
Meanwhile, a Forum Research poll of more than 1,000 residents conducted earlier this week found Torontons were divided over Tory’s decision to step down.
