London politicians are expressing the utmost confidence in the new man at the helm of the city.
Martin Hayward was appointed to acting city manager late Tuesday night, after top London bureaucrat Art Zuidema was cast out.
Hayward has been with the city for more than 30 years and has served as the city's treasurer and chief financial officer since 2010.
"I am confident in his abilities to work with council and manage our talented senior leadership team as we continue to push forward with our priorities for London," said Mayor Matt Brown in a news release issued Wednesday.
That confidence in Hayward's abilities was echoed by Councillor Josh Morgan.
"He's intelligent, he's capable, he's articulate, he listens but he also has the capacity to lead," said Morgan. "I see Mr. Hayward and council working very collaboratively together. I see a very open and transparent dialogue and discussion that will lead to a very healthy relationship at city hall between the civic administration and council."
Hayward was instrumental in leading council through their first ever multi-year budget in 2016. What is unclear is how long he will assume the position as interim city manager.
"Obviously, council will have to develop a process that we agree on for the selection of a permanent CAO and I can't comment on what that process will be yet," said Morgan.
Morgan was also unable to comment on whether Zuidema's sudden departure will cost taxpayers.
"I am one who believes in the public having as much information as possible and I hope in time that many of the questions that the public may have on this can be answered," said Morgan. "For now, I can only make the comment that Mr. Zuidema is no longer with the corporation."
Brown, who thanked Zuidema for his service and wished him the best with his future endeavours, called Zuidema’s departure a "personal matter." He also stated he would be making no further comment.
Zuidema had been with the city for five years. During that time he clashed with members of council and was accused of bad-faith bargaining during contract talks with police, firefighters, and the city's inside workers.
Brown and Hayward will hold a news conference at city hall at noon Thursday to discuss the city's plans going forward.