Rookie city councillor Matt Brown is running for London mayor.

The 40-year-old high school teacher, first elected to city hall in 2010, is declaring his intention Friday afternoon — making him the first credible candidate to formally enter the race for London’s top political job.

“It’s no secret that London is facing some challenges,” Brown said in a statement. “I’m running because, like you, I know we can do better.”

Brown is entering the race almost as early as possible, the nomination period having opened just a week ago. This allows his campaign team, chaired by London West Liberal riding association president Scott Courtice, to start organizing and fundraising.

But it’s essentially a soft launch. Voters should expect Brown to do little campaigning during 2014 budget deliberations — it’s set for final approval Feb. 27 — then spend time talking to Londoners as the first phase of the campaign.

“I believe elected officials should speak less and listen more,” he said. “A great city is built on bold, fresh ideas and those ideas should come first and foremost from its residents.

“So that’s how I’m going to start this campaign: by listening to the aspirations, and the frustrations, of Londoners.”

Though Joe Fontana hasn’t formally entered the race, he’s said he plans to seek a second term as mayor — setting up an intriguing race between the scandal-plagued veteran, turning 64 Monday, and the relatively fresh-faced opponent a quarter-century his junior.

Fontana’s political fortunes may rise or fall on the outcome of his criminal trial looming in May. He goes on trial May 26 on three counts relating to the use of a $1,700 federal government cheque applied toward the wedding reception of his son’s in 2005, when Fotnana was an MP.

Brown was to release a video via social media Friday afternoon publicly announcing his mayoral run.

patrick.maloney@sunmedia.ca