Toronto Mayor John Tory abruptly resigned Friday, shortly after the Toronto Star newspaper reported that he had an affair with a much younger staff member.
Torrey, 68, acknowledged the relationship in a statement announcing his departure, saying it had ended earlier this year and the employee had left City Hall.
Torrey did not identify the staff member. The Star, citing unnamed sources, said the woman was an adviser to the 31-year-old mayor.
“I am very sorry, and I apologize to the people of Toronto, and to all those who have been hurt by my actions,” Torrey said.
“Most of all, I apologize to my wife, Barb, and my family, who I’ve let down more than anyone else,” he said.
Torrey said the relationship began during the COVID-19 pandemic and “ended by mutual consent earlier this year.”
He said he will work with city employees and Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvey to ensure an orderly transition to the new administration.
“I deeply regret leaving work in a city that I love for a city that I love even more. I believe, in my heart, that it’s best to give myself up completely. But to dedicate myself to the work that is necessary to repair those most important (family) relationships as well,” Torrey said.
