In an interview with Global News, the Rosedale University adviser confirmed his decision to step down at the end of his term this fall. The decision, he said, was made considering both family interests and future ambitions for climate change initiatives. “I think I need to put my energy into something to make a difference around the climate as well as spend more time with my kids,” Leighton said. “There is life after politics, that’s not me stepping away, just refocusing my energy in a different role.” Story continues below ad
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Layton said it was a difficult decision to make after so many relationships while at City Hall. “But I can be proud of what I’ve helped achieve here,” he said, pointing to developments in Toronto’s Indigenous affairs, securing buildings for community organizations and helping create the city’s climate action plan. Layton said he doesn’t have work lined up yet, but wants to continue focusing on climate change initiatives after he retires from politics. “The resources that we have in the city are limited because of the powers that we have as a city and the power that we don’t have to actually implement some of that change,” he said. Leighton believes there are also limitations to how climate-related issues are presented to government, and believes his experience in government can help with some solutions. Leighton also admits the position of councilor has changed a lot since the Ford government reduced the size of Toronto City Council in 2018. “There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do what we need to do,” he said. While this meant less time to engage with his community, it also meant more time away from his two daughters. Trending Stories
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Although he will gain more time at home, he said he does not rule out a possible return to politics at some point. Story continues below ad “They’re only young once, eventually they won’t (have) dad around. Maybe it’s a time when we can prioritize and see what role can come after that,” he said. Layton, the son of the late NDP leader and former Toronto councilor Jack Layton, has been one of the leading progressive voices on Toronto City Council. While he has been able to find common ground with Mayor John Tory, the two have often clashed over the direction of the city. Layton said he’s confident like-minded residents will remind their leaders of the importance of making progress on key issues and challenges. As for a champion taking over his former riding, he said it’s still too early to say, but he’s open to campaigning on their behalf.
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In addition to Layton, councilors Ana Bailão, Denzil Minnan-Wong and John Filion have also announced they will not run again. Former councilors Kristyn Wong-Tam and Michael Ford have already stepped down after successful ascents in provincial politics. Former city center councilor Joe Cressey stepped down earlier this year after leading the city’s Board of Health for most of the pandemic. While every election brings the possibility of new faces, municipal politicians get a huge boost in their re-election efforts over newcomers from name recognition alone. The 2018 council cut not only pitted many incumbents against each other, but also hindered the efforts of many newcomers. Story continues below ad With seven open races, the upcoming October 24 municipal election has the potential to be much more interesting than previous years.
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“It’s very difficult to beat an incumbent,” said Ipsos pollster and political observer Darrell Bricker. They are so connected to the community. they’re out there at community events all the time.” Replacing the seven sitting aldermen with new blood has the potential to create more excitement in the fall election, Bricker said, especially if higher-profile candidates enter the race. “The higher the quality of the candidates, the more difficult the choices Torontonians will have to make, the better council we will have,” Bricker said. 2:18 Toronto Council is debating strong mayoral powers © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
