The Latest: New Seattle mayor sworn in after Murray resigns

SEATTLE – The Latest on the resignation of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray (all times local):

5:15 p.m.

Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell has been sworn in as the city’s mayor, after former Mayer Ed Murray resigned over sex abuse allegations.

Murray announced Tuesday that he was stepping down effective 5 p.m. Wednesday.

His decision came just hours after The Seattle Times reported that a fifth man had alleged that Murray abused him decades ago.

Murray has denied all the allegations but said his resignation was in the city’s best interests.

Harrell was surrounded by other city officials as he was sworn in. He said that should signal that the duties of the city’s government go beyond one person or one office.

Harrell has five days to decide whether to finish Murray’s term, which ends in December. If he declines, the council will appoint someone else.

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4:10 p.m.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray is set to resign after a fifth man came forward to accuse him of sexual abuse decades ago.

Murray is scheduled to step down at 5 p.m. Wednesday and Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell was scheduled to be sworn in as mayor.

Murray is Washington’s most prominent gay politician.

But much of his support eroded when he attacked the backgrounds of some of his accusers last spring, and many people say his resignation is overdue.

After a fifth accuser came forward this week, many were relieved that he would resign and not finish out his term which ends December.