HALIFAX — Halifax's mayor says he won't seek re-election amid questions about his handling of a friend's will.

Peter Kelly made the unexpected announcement Wednesday, acknowledging there were "stumbles" in how he handled his duties as executor to the estate of Mary Thibeault.

"I am not making any excuses," he said in a statement.

"Whatever problems have arisen have been because of my own tardiness and I am in the process of fulfilling her instructions.

"Everything is accounted for and will be distributed according to her wishes."

Thibeault died Dec. 7, 2004. She appointed Kelly as the executor of her will.

Kelly's comments come after a story in a weekly newspaper reported on his involvement with Thibeault's estate.

In a letter to the probate court last month, one of the beneficiaries alleged Thibeault's wishes were not fulfilled by Kelly.

In his statement, Kelly said he feels he has made his contribution to the community and decided to leave public life after speaking with his family.

"Being mayor has come with a cost," he said. "Working more than 90 hours a week has taken its toll. My marriage has ended and it has been a strain on my family. I have always put the well-being of the municipality first but now it is time to give my family priority."

He said he intends to complete his term, which ends in October.

Kelly, 55, was first elected mayor of Halifax in 2000.