John Tory will step down as mayor of Toronto after having a relationship with a member of his office staff during the pandemic.

Tory announced on Friday evening that he will resign during a surprise news conference where he disclosed the relationship, which he said: "did not meet the standards to which I hold myself as mayor and as a family man."

"I recognize that permitting this relationship to develop was a serious error in judgment on my part," Tory said.

"I am deeply sorry and I apologize unreservedly to the people of Toronto and to all of those hurt by my actions, including my staff, my colleagues on City Council and the public service for whom I have such respect."