The city of Montreal has named an interim city manager to take over after the resignation of Guy Hébert this week.

Robert Lamontagne, the city's director of finance, will take over the job until the November 3rd municipal election.

Hébert quit after it came to light that he called the public security minister to ask the the police chief be fired.

In making the announcement this afternoon at city hall, mayor Michael Applebaum says Hébert went too far.

"I'm sure many people believe that being mayor of Montreal requires that you don't know about what's going on," Applebaum said, addressing the cynicism he understands many Montrealers are feeling watching the goings-on at city hall. "But I'll tell you what I do know. I know that Guy Hébert went too far. I know that Guy Hébert should not have done that. And I know that Guy Hébert should have spoken to me about it."

Photos: La Presse