It’s not official yet, but George Smitherman is one step closer to entering Toronto’s mayoral race.

He announced that he has resigned as the member of provincial parliament for Toronto-Centre on Monday, the same day candidate Rocco Rossi filed his papers at City Hall.

Smitherman, the former deputy premier, had previously resigned his cabinet position as Minister of Energy and Infrastructure in the fall. He had also served as Minister of Health for several years.

His letter of resignation was submitted on January 1 and took effect on Sunday.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is expected to call a byelection for Toronto-Centre in the coming months. The Liberal party will pick its new candidate on Wednesday and former Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray may get the nod to replace Smitherman.