Crack-smoking Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has admitted he has bought illegal drugs in the past two years.
The mayor made the confession under direct questioning by city councillors who were debating asking him to take a leave of absence.
Councilor Denzil Minnan-Wong asked Mr Ford if he had bought illegal drugs in the past two years. After a long pause, he replied: “Yes I have.”
Mr Ford publicly admitted last week that he smoked crack cocaine last year in a “drunken stupor” but his comments marked the first time he admitted to having bought illegal drugs.
“I understand the embarrassment that I have caused. I am humiliated by it,” he said.
But he then turned defiant and rebuffed suggestions from members that he should seek help.
“I’m most definitely keeping this job,” he said. “I am not leaving here. I’m going to attend every meeting.”
Earlier, all but two of the 43 councillors voted to accept an open letter asking him to step aside.
Although it was a stark demonstration of his political isolation, the vote was symbolic because the city council does not have the authority to force the mayor from office unless he is convicted of a crime.
“Together we stand to ask you to step aside and take a leave of absence,” councillor Jaye Robinson said.
The packed council chamber erupted with applause when Ms Robinson ended her speech, saying “Let’s get on with city business.”