The mayor of Canada’s largest city has quit after he admitted having an affair with a staff member.

Toronto mayor John Tory resigned abruptly on Friday as he apologised for a “serious error in judgement”.

In a late night news conference, the 68-year-old said the relationship with an employee in his office had ended earlier this year and she had since left city hall.

Mr Tory was first elected mayor in 2014 following the turbulent four-year tenure of Rob Ford, whose time in office was plagued by scandals involving drinking and crack cocaine use.

Viewed as the polar opposite of Mr Ford, who later died from a rare form of cancer, Mr Tory recently won a third term.

Announcing he was stepping down, he said: “I am deeply sorry, and I apologise unreservedly to the people of Toronto, and to all of those hurt by my actions.

“Most of all, I apologise to my wife, Barb and to my family who I’ve let down more than anyone else.”

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He said the affair began during the COVID-19 pandemic and “ended by mutual consent earlier this year”.

Mr Tory added: “I recognise that permitting this relationship to develop was a serious error in judgement on my part.

“It came at a time when Barb, my wife of 40-plus years and I were enduring many lengthy periods apart while I carried out my responsibilities during the pandemic.

“As a result, I have decided I will step down as mayor so I can take the time to reflect on my mistakes and to do the work of rebuilding the trust of my family.”

Mr Tory said he would work with city employees and deputy mayor Jennifer McKelvey to ensure an orderly transition to a new administration.

He added: “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 (family) relationships as well.”

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