Politicians weigh in on Toronto mayor John Tory’s shock resignation | 24CA News

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is amongst those that have responded to the news that Toronto Mayor John Tory plans to resign after admitting to an affair with a workers member.

In an announcement issued Saturday morning, Ford referred to as Tory a “friend” and thanked him for “many years of public service.”

Tory was elected mayor of Toronto in 2014, succeeding Rob Ford and beating Doug Ford within the race.

Tory and Doug Ford have since labored intently collectively, with Ford granting Tory sweeping powers as a so-called sturdy mayor forward of Toronto’s October election.

“John will be remembered as a dedicated and hard-working mayor who served as a steady leader during the most difficult days of the pandemic,” Ford mentioned. “He united Toronto behind an optimistic vision for the future and I will miss working with him to see it come to life.”

Tory introduced his intention to resign as mayor Friday night whereas admitting he had an affair with a staffer. He mentioned the connection did “not meet the standards to which I hold myself as mayor and as a family man.”

According to Tory, the connection started in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he and his long-time spouse had been spending “lengthy periods apart.”

Tory mentioned he can be stepping down with a purpose to “reflect on my mistakes” and “do the work of rebuilding the trust of my family.”

His resignation announcement comes earlier than Toronto passes its 2023 finances, a doc created and guided by Tory underneath his new sturdy mayor powers.

While Ford lavished the outgoing mayor with reward, others have responded much less favourably.

Former Toronto metropolis councillor and sitting Ontario NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam referred to as the connection “an abuse of power.”

“It’s no secret that John Tory and I had many political disagreements,” Wong-Tam mentioned in a tweet. “Tonight I fully agree that he should resign. His is not a simple, one-time lapse of judgement. Tory was her boss and this is an abuse of power.”

Wong-Tam additionally urged town’s present councillors to “tear up” town finances he had offered and “rework” the monetary blueprint.

Gil Penalosa, who completed second in October’s mayoral race, mentioned Tory’s affair was “not just ‘a serious error of judgement.’” In a tweet, he mentioned, “Fortunately, now Torontonians have a chance to elect better.”

Penalosa confirmed to Global News he plans to run within the upcoming by-election to decide on a brand new mayor.

Sitting councillors mentioned on Friday night that they had been shocked by the news.

“When this happens with the strong mayor, you can see that this is now a problem,” Coun. Paula Fletcher mentioned. She referred to as the resignation and ensuing scenario “unprecedented.”

Coun. Jamaal Myers mentioned he was “shocked” and unhappy for each Tory and his household.

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