Smitherman To Resign Cabinet Post As He Prepares To Run For Toronto Mayor In 2010

TORONTO – Sources tell The Canadian Press that deputy premier George Smitherman will resign cabinet as he prepares to run for Toronto mayor.

The sources say Smitherman, who is also energy and infrastructure minister, will announce Monday that he’s stepping down.

The Canadian Press has also learned Gerry Phillips will assume the energy and infrastructure portfolio in the short term.

After months of denying he was eyeing the mayor’s job, Smitherman gave a strong signal in September that he’s considering making a bid.

A mayoral bid from Smitherman would set the stage for a possible showdown between two political foes who once battled it out at the provincial level.

Former Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory has made it clear he hasn’t ruled out a run for mayor in 2010.

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