The City of Melbourne's Lord Mayor John So has decided not to seek re-election for the high profile council job.
The man who spawned the accolade "John So is my bro" has decided to hang up the mayoral robes after 17 years in local government.
Councillor So, who's been the city's mayor for seven years, has worked at the City of Melbourne since he was elected as a councillor in 1991.
The Hong-Kong born businessman is widely accredited as a major player in the successful staging of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and for his promotion of the city overseas.
The mayoral contest will be held on November 29.
Cr So said the decision had been a very difficult one.
"I've given almost a quarter of my life to public service," he told reporters as he choked back tears at the Melbourne Town Hall.
"You cannot work 110 per cent for ever and that is what this job requires."