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(This Feb. 10 story has been corrected to change deputy mayor's last name to McKelvie from McKelvey)
(Reuters) - Toronto Mayor John Tory resigned abruptly on Friday, shortly after the Toronto Star newspaper reported that he had an affair with a much younger staff member.
Tory, 68, acknowledged the relationship in a statement announcing his departure, saying it had ended earlier this year and the employee had left city hall.
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Tory did not identify the staff member. The Star, citing unnamed sources, said the woman was a 31-year-old mayoral adviser.
"I am deeply sorry, and I apologize unreservedly to the people of Toronto, and to all of those hurt by my actions," Tory said.
"Most of all, I apologize to my wife, Barb and to my family who I've let down more than anyone else," he said.
Tory said the relationship began during the COVID-19 pandemic and "ended by mutual consent earlier this year."
He said he would work with city employees and Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie to ensure an orderly transition to a new administration.
"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," Tory said.
(Reporting by Steve Scherer in Ottawa; Additional reporting by Rami Ayyub and Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)