Port Moody mayor taking another leave of absence after brief return

After the mayor of Port Moody returned from a voluntary leave of absence last month following a sexual assault charge stemming from an alleged incident in 2015, Rob Vagramov announced this week that he intends to step down and take another leave of absence, as the investigation continues.

His decision comes after a city council motion for him to take such action was carried recently.

The motion was brought forward by Councillor Diana Dilworth, and saw council and dozens of Port Moody residents turn out to discuss it.

• See also: 
  • Port Moody Mayor Robert Vagramov charged with sexual assault 
  • Port Moody mayor charged with sexual assault returns to work 
  • Port Moody council calls for mayor’s leave of absence after sexual assault charges

Dilworth recommended that “until such time as the mayor’s legal issues have been resolved, that council formally requests the mayor go back on an unpaid leave of absence” and that in the case “that he is not totally exonerated, that council formally request the mayor’s resignation.”

While the mayor confirmed will take another voluntary leave of absence without pay, he did not say when his leave of absence will take effect.