London will have a new mayor following this fall’s municipal election.
In a news release Friday morning, Mayor Matt Brown confirms that he will not be seeking a second term in office.
“I am proud of what has been accomplished so far this term and the incredible strides this Council has made toward its vision for London,” said Brown in a press release.
“Change is not always easy, but we have set the groundwork for the London we want for our children and grandchildren.”
In June 2016, Brown drew national media attention when he admitted to 980 CFPL he’d had an affair with Coun. Maureen Cassidy, the city’s deputy mayor at the time.
He suspended his mayoral duties at the time, and returned to his position weeks later.
“We have truly built this city inward and upward over the last three and a half years. I remain focused on this mandate in the months to come,” said Brown.
“It is easy to be critical, I hope Londoners will instead choose to move our city forward.”
As for what’s next, Brown says he has no plans for politics in his immediate future, though he won’t completely rule out a return some point down the road.
“We have created momentum and I am hopeful that the people of London will seek out a candidate who shares Council’s vision and big ideas.”
Brown secured 57 per cent of the votes in the 2014 mayoral race, beating out Paul Cheng, who has expressed interest in running for mayor again this year.
Former councillor Stephen Orser and and former Police Services Board Budget Chair Paul Paolatto have also voiced their intent to run for mayor.
Prior to his mayoral victory in 2014, Brown was the city councillor for Ward 7 for one term.