Ontario Energy Minister George Smitherman says he's thinking about running for mayor of Toronto in next year's municipal election. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)

Ontario Energy Minister George Smitherman has sent the clearest signal so far that he's interested in running against Mayor David Miller in next year's municipal election.

Smitherman told reporters that after thinking about his future during his summer vacation, he thinks the November 2010 election could be the right time to run for mayor of Canada's biggest city.

"I don't have a campaign statement, I've just acknowledged publicly that, yeah, it's something that I'm thinking about," Smitherman told CBC News.

Smitherman has previously denied rumours he would run for mayor, but he said Tuesday he's noticed a growing desire for change in Toronto.

"I'm very, very flattered that a lot of people from our city have been raising it with me," Smitherman said, when asked about the possibility of running for mayor.

He said he has talked with John Tory, the former Progressive Conservative leader and possible mayoralty contender, with an eye to offering clear choices for voters in the next election.

Smitherman said he expects to make a decision about running by the end of the year, adding that provincial rules would require him to step down as a Liberal cabinet minister if he decides to launch a campaign.

Miller said he is looking forward to debating his main opponent in the next election —whoever it may be. The mayor said elections "are about listening to Torontonians, but also telling them where you stand."

The municipal election is still about a year away, but serious candidates are expected declare their intention to run on Jan. 1 because that's when they can launch fundraising efforts.

Wth files from The Canadian Press