Sources Confirm: John Tory Will Not Run for Toronto Mayor
Former Toronto Mayor John Tory has announced that he will not run in the upcoming municipal election. This news comes after he resigned in February 2023, just months after winning a third term.
John Tory’s Decision Not to Run for Mayor
Tory, 71, made the announcement on a recent Tuesday. In his statement, he described his time as mayor as “the honour of a lifetime.” He emphasized the importance of the mayor’s office, stating it is “bigger than any one person.”
Resignation and Reflections
John Tory resigned in February 2023 after admitting to an affair with a staff member. He felt that stepping down was necessary to protect his family and uphold the integrity of the mayoral office. Despite encouragement to stay in the race, Tory concluded that the personal attacks he would face were not worth it.
The Upcoming Municipal Election
The next municipal election in Toronto is scheduled for October 26, 2023. Tory was previously considered a strong candidate if he chose to run again. Polls indicated a competitive race between him and current Mayor Olivia Chow, who has not yet announced her plans for re-election.
Current Political Landscape
- Brad Bradford, a city councillor, has declared his intention to run for mayor again after a previous attempt in the 2023 byelection.
- John Tory has stated he is not endorsing any candidates at this time.
In his statement, Tory encouraged others to step forward if they are capable of contributing to the city’s improvement. He highlighted the urgent need for leadership focused on making Toronto a thriving metropolis where businesses can succeed.
Key Issues for Toronto
Tory stressed a few key concerns that should be addressed by future leadership:
- Ensuring safety in the city.
- Combatting open-air drug use and encampments.
- Improving transit reliability and efficiency.
- Maintaining low taxes and a competitive business climate.
He reiterated that Toronto is at a “pivotal moment” and emphasized that strong, proactive governance is essential for its future.
Although he is stepping back from the electoral arena, Tory remains active as a municipal affairs expert for Newstalk 1010 and CTV News. His insights may still shape discussions around Toronto’s direction in the coming months.
