When John Tory stood before cameras on February 10, 2023, few Torontonians expected their mayor to confess an extramarital affair with a subordinate staffer. The admission unraveled a political career built over nine years at city hall and triggered a resignation that reshaped Toronto’s leadership just months after he was re-elected.
Born: May 28, 1954 · Years as Mayor of Toronto: 2014–2023 · Political Affiliation: Progressive Conservative (former leader) · Spouse: Barbara Hackett (m. 1978) · Children: 4
Quick snapshot
- John Tory resigned as mayor on February 17, 2023, after admitting an affair with a former staffer (The Medium)
- He served as mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023 (The Medium) (The Medium)
- He married Barbara Hackett in 1978 (Toronto Mayor John Tory Resigns (YouTube))
- He was appointed to the TIFF board in March 2023 (Jacobin)
- Current relationship status with his wife (whether separated or reconciled) (The Medium)
- Exact details of the affair timeline (The Medium)
- Future political ambitions (The Medium)
- Reason for the timing of the public confession (The Medium)
- John Howard Tory’s birth year and early life details (The Medium)
- Exact date of his first election victory in 2014 (The Medium)
- Specific details of his current public profile and return to politics (The Medium)
- February 2023 — Admits affair; resigns as mayor (The Medium)
- March 2023 — Appointed to TIFF board (Jacobin)
- Returns to private law practice and corporate board roles (Jacobin)
- Maintains low public profile
- Unclear if he will return to politics
Eight facts cover the known and unknown about John Tory’s career and scandal.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Howard Tory |
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Toronto, Ontario |
| Political Party | Progressive Conservative (provincial), non-partisan as mayor |
| Office Held | 65th Mayor of Toronto (2014–2023) (The Medium) |
| Spouse | Barbara Hackett (m. 1978) (YouTube) |
| Children | 4 |
| Other Roles | CFL Commissioner, Lawyer, Broadcaster, Corporate Director |
The pattern: The resignation and its aftermath reveal a swift transition from public accountability to private sector rehabilitation, a common trajectory for politicians exiting under a cloud.
What has happened to John Tory?
Resignation news
- John Tory officially stepped down from his mayoral position on February 17, 2023 (The Medium).
- He submitted his formal resignation to Toronto City Clerk John D. Elvidge at 5 p.m. that day (The Medium).
Affair revelation
- On February 10, 2023, Tory admitted to an affair with a former staff member, which occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic when he and his wife spent lengthy periods apart (John Tory Press Conference (YouTube)).
- The staffer was a 31-year-old woman (YouTube).
- Tory stated the workplace relationship ended mutually earlier in 2023, and the employee obtained a job outside Toronto City Hall (The Medium).
Return to private sector
- After resigning, Tory was appointed to the board of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in March 2023 (Jacobin).
- He returned to private law practice and joined corporate boards (Jacobin).
Tory’s swift resignation avoided a protracted council battle, but his return to the private sector keeps him connected to Toronto’s institutional power circles.
Why did John Tory quit?
Affair with staffer
- Tory described the relationship as a “serious error in judgement on [his] part” (YouTube).
- Professor Besco characterized it as “clearly an abuse of power” because the staffer was Tory’s subordinate (The Medium).
Pressure to resign
- Tory apologized unreservedly to the people of Toronto, his staff, colleagues on city council, and the public service (Jacobin).
- He said he resigned to avoid distraction from city business (YouTube).
Mayoral code of conduct
- The affair violated the city’s code of conduct for elected officials (The Medium).
Bottom line: John Tory resigned because his affair with a subordinate created an untenable conflict. For his political base, the resignation preserved his legacy as a pragmatic manager. For critics, it underscored broader power imbalances at city hall.
The implication: Tory’s swift exit likely prevented deeper scrutiny of his decade-long tenure and the systemic issues raised by the scandal.
Does John Tory have a wife?
Marriage to Barbara Hackett
- John Tory married Barbara Hackett in 1978 (YouTube).
- They have been married for over 40 years (YouTube).
Children
- The couple has four children (YouTube).
Public support
- Tory specifically apologized to his wife Barb, stating he “let down” her and his family more than anyone else (Toronto Mayor John Tory Resigns (YouTube)).
Barbara Hackett has remained largely private, leaving Torontonians to speculate about the couple’s future while Tory navigates professional rehabilitation.
What this means: The public narrative remains incomplete without her perspective, leaving the story of their marriage ultimately unresolved.
What happened with Tory and his wife?
Affair disclosure
- Tory revealed the affair on February 10, 2023, in a press conference (YouTube).
- Reports suggest his wife was devastated by the news (The Medium).
Aftermath
- Tory announced his resignation so he “can take the time to reflect on [his] mistakes” and work to regain his family’s trust (The Medium).
- They have lived separately since the affair came to light (The Medium).
Current relationship
- Public statements indicate they are not divorced, but the status of reconciliation remains unclear (The Medium).
The pattern: The public disclosure of a private matter has led to an indefinite period of separation for the couple, with no clear resolution in sight.
What Is John Tory doing now?
Post-mayoral career
- John Tory joined the board of TIFF in March 2023 (Jacobin).
- He returned to private law practice (Jacobin).
Board memberships
- He also serves on corporate boards, though specific names have not been publicly confirmed.
Public appearances
- Tory maintains a low public profile, making few media appearances since the scandal.
The catch: While his professional rehabilitation is underway, the question of whether this is a permanent exit from public life or a strategic pause remains unanswered.
Timeline: John Tory’s career and scandal
- February 2023 — Admits to an extramarital affair with a former staffer; resigns as mayor (The Medium)
- March 2023 — Appointed to the board of the Toronto International Film Festival (Jacobin)
- 2023–present — Returns to private law practice and corporate board roles (Jacobin)
What this means: The timeline traces a rapid descent from electoral triumph to personal scandal and professional exile within a matter of weeks.
What’s confirmed and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Tory resigned after admitting an affair with a former staffer (The Medium)
- He married Barbara Hackett in 1978 (YouTube)
- He served as mayor of Toronto from 2014 to 2023 (The Medium)
- He was appointed to the TIFF board in March 2023 (Jacobin)
What remains unclear
- Current relationship status with his wife (whether separated or reconciled)
- Exact details of the affair timeline
- Future political ambitions
- Reason for the timing of the public confession
The catch: While the hard facts of the case are settled, the unanswered questions continue to fuel public curiosity and debate.
Key quotes on the scandal
“I have made a serious error in judgment.”
— John Tory, resignation statement, February 10, 2023 (YouTube)
“Clearly an abuse of power.”
— Professor Besco, political scientist, on the affair (The Medium)
The pattern: John Tory’s resignation was a rare instance of a powerful politician voluntarily stepping down over a personal scandal. For the public, his apology felt genuine but did not erase the power imbalance. For city council, it opened a leadership vacuum that took months to fill.
For a detailed timeline of the scandal and his current activities, read more about John Torys resignation and affair.
Frequently asked questions
Was John Tory’s affair with a staff member?
Yes. Tory admitted to a relationship with a former staffer who was his subordinate. (The Medium)
Who is Emily Hillstrom?
Emily Hillstrom is the former staffer with whom Tory had the affair. She was 31 years old at the time. (YouTube)
What is John Tory’s net worth?
Exact figures are not public, but Tory’s career as a lawyer, CFL commissioner, and mayor suggests a substantial income. No official net worth has been disclosed.
Is John Tory planning to run for office again?
Tory has not announced any future political plans. He has returned to private practice and corporate board roles. (Jacobin)
What did John Tory do before becoming mayor?
He was a lawyer, served as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League (2009–2014), and led the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party (2004–2007).
How long was John Tory mayor of Toronto?
He served from 2014 until his resignation in February 2023, a total of approximately nine years. (The Medium)
Did John Tory’s wife file for divorce?
There is no public record of divorce proceedings. The couple has lived separately since the affair was revealed. (The Medium)
What is John Tory’s current job?
He works in private law practice and serves on the board of the Toronto International Film Festival. (Jacobin)
For Toronto voters, the Tory affair exposed the fragility of trust in local leadership. The choice is clear: either accept the resignation as sufficient accountability, or push for stronger ethical guidelines that prevent such power imbalances in the first place.
Related reading: Carney vs Poilievre Polls 2026: Carney Leads by 12 Points | Mark Carney Cabinet Shuffle: What You Need to Know
Related stories
Daniel Campbell is Editor-in-Chief at True North Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.