John Tory, Image credit: Twitter handle of Karen Graham
Toronto/CMEDIA: It was reportedly announced by Toronto Mayor John Tory on Friday that he will step down from his office after admitting to a relationship with a former staffer.
“During the pandemic I developed a relationship with an employee in my office in a way that did not meet the standards to which I hold myself as mayor and as a family man,” Tory said during a brief statement at city hall.
He disclosed the relationship to reporters, and said it “did not meet the standards to which I hold myself as mayor and as a family man.”
“I recognize that permitting this relationship to develop was a serious error in judgment on my part,” Tory said.
“I am deeply sorry and I apologize unreservedly to the people of Toronto and to all of those hurt by my actions, including my staff, my colleagues on City Council and the public service for whom I have such respect.”
Tory said the relationship ended by “mutual consent” earlier this year.
The employee found employment outside of his office during the relationship, he said.
He also apologized to his wife Barbara Hackett and his family. Tory and Barbara have been married since 1978 and have four children and six grandchildren.
“While 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, it is best to fully commit myself to the work that is required to repair these most important relationships,” Tory was reported saying.
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