Smitherman announces Toronto mayor bid

TORONTO, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman says he is resigning from that post to run for mayor of Toronto.

Smitherman told Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty of his decision Sunday, which is effective immediately, The National Post reported.

Gerry Phillips, a minister without a portfolio, reportedly will be replacing Smitherman as energy minister for the rest of the legislative term. McGuinty is not expected to name a deputy premier until the new year.

The newspaper said Smitherman, a centrist, joins Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti as a Toronto mayoral candidate, but observers expect more contenders to announce.