John Tory is stepping down as mayor of Toronto.

The shocking announcement was made by the 68-year-old Tory at a hastily-called news conference last night, where he admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a 31-year-old former staff worker.

Tory said the relationship with the female employee in his office developed during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was spending long periods of time away from his wife Barbara, to whom he has been married since 1978.

Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie will serve as interim Mayor until a byelection is held to install a new mayor. A date is expected soon.

Tory says he will assist in ensuring a smooth transition with McKelvie and City staff.

Tory was first elected mayor in 2014, partially on a promise to restore respectability to the office after the turbulent term of his predecessor Rob Ford.