Brown was born in London, Ontario, in 1973. He grew up in Woodstock before graduating from the University of Waterloo.[2] He has two sons, named John Brown and Braden Brown.[2]
Mayoralty
In the 2014 mayoral race, he defeated runner up Paul Cheng. Prior to his election to the mayoralty, Brown represented Ward 7 on London City Council.[3]
As mayor, Brown oversaw the planning phase of the controversial Shiftbus rapid transit (BRT) network, on which construction began after his term as mayor.[4][5]
In April 2018 Brown announced that he would not seek re-election in the upcoming municipal election.[7]
Affair
On June 14, 2016, he temporarily suspended his duties as mayor following his disclosure of an affair with deputy mayor Maureen Cassidy.[8] The affair drew national attention across Canada.[9][10][11] The London Integrity Commissioner issued a report to City Council stating that Matt Brown and Maureen Cassidy violated sections 2.4, 5.1 and 5.1(1)(e) of the Municipal Code of Conduct.[12] In the report the integrity commissioner stated that he "has no authority" under current guidelines, to demand a resignation or prevent either office holder from running for re-election.[12]
Brown announced his return to duties as mayor on June 22, 2016, and on June 23, 2016, attended his first council meeting since the leave.[13]
On September 29, 2016, it was reported by CBC News that he had separated from his wife, Andrea.[14]