Martin Walsh confirmed as US Labor Secretary, will step down as Boston Mayor

Developing- A majority of United States Senators voted to confirm the nomination of Mayor Martin Walsh as the US Secretary of Labor this afternoon.

Walsh reached a majority (51 votes) at 5:52 p.m. Among those who voted for Walsh from the GOP ranks were Sen. Mitt Romney, Sen. Susan Collins and Sen.Lindsay Graham.The final vote was 68 yeas -29 nays.

The mayor planned to speak to reporters in Boston during press conference after the vote at Faneuil Hall.

He will resign via a letter to the City Clerk tonight or tomorrow morning, according to sources, an action that will elevate City Council President Kim Janey to the role of acting Mayor.

Janey is expected to be inaugurated during a ceremony on Wednesday.

Walsh, 53, a Dorchester resident and past union leader, breezed through his committee hearing on Feb. 4 and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted 18-4 to "report favorable" on Walsh's nomination a week later.

Janey will make history when she becomes the first Black and first female Boston mayor. She has not yet declared a candidacy to seek a four-year term in this year's election.