London mayor takes temporary leave after affair with deputy mayor

London, Ont.Mayor Matt Brown says he is leaving office temporarily after he confirmed he hadan affair with the city's deputy mayor.

Brown said in a statement hehad an "inappropriate personal relationship" with Ward 5 Coun.MaureenCassidy,calling his behaviour a "grave error in judgement."

Cassidyresigned as deputy mayor at an emotional council meeting on Tuesday.

Coun. VirginaRidley said Cassidywillcontinue in her councillor position, but she too is taking some time off to deal with personal matters.

"She was teary when sheannounced she would be stepping down," Ridley said."Because of stress on her family, she was steppingdown."

Brown said the relationship, which developed "during a period of intense workload,"ended some time ago.

"I am deeply sorry for the pain that this has caused for my wife, my family and everyone involved.I make no excuses for my behavior and my poor judgement in my personal life," he said.

Will meet with integrity commissioner

Brown said he plans to meet with the integrity commissioneron Thursday to discuss whether his behaviourmay have breached his professional responsibilities as mayor.

"I will abide by any decisions or recommendations of the commissioner," he said.

As for his marriage, Brown said he and his wife Andrea Brown are committed to staying together and"working through our private issues"with the help of a marriage counsellor and a church minister.

He said his wife was "extremely angry" and his actions have put a "tremendous strain" on their relationship.

"My primary focus must always be to earn the love and respect of Andrea and my family," he said.