TORONTO (AP) – Toronto elected a moderate conservative as mayor yesterday, ending the Rob Ford era marked by scandals over his illegal drug use and public drunkenness.
John Tory, a former chief executive of major cable company Rogers Communications, had 40 per cent of the vote, compared to 34 per cent for Doug Ford, brother of outgoing Mayor Rob Ford. Left-leaning Olivia Chow was third with nearly 23 per cent, with nearly 100 per cent of polling stations reporting.
“The people have spoken and tonight [last night] we begin the work of building one Toronto,” Tory told cheering supporters. “Torontonians want to see an end to the divisions that have paralysed city hall for the last few years. I hear you.”
Rob Ford’s four-year tenure as mayor of Canada’s largest city was marred by his drinking and crack cocaine use. He announced last month that he wouldn’t seek re-election as he battles a rare form of cancer. His brother, a city councillor, ran in his place.
Doug Ford’s supporters booed when he congratulated Tory on his victory. Doug Ford later said the scandals played a part in the loss but said he was “super proud” of his brother.
“I still believe he’s the best mayor ever,” Doug Ford said.
However, Rob Ford will not disappear from Toronto politics anytime soon.
Despite the cancer, he opted to seek the City Council seat held by his brother from the Etobicoke district in western Toronto where he launched his political career. He won his old seat in a landslide yesterday and strongly hinted he may seek to run for mayor again in four years.
“In four more years, you’re going to see another example of the Ford family never, ever, ever giving up,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tory, 60, a long-time moderate conservative politician and adviser, has also served as commissioner of the Canadian Football League and more recently hosted a radio talk show. He ran for mayor in 2003 and lost.
Tory has promised to end the circus at City Hall and to get people moving with a new public transit plan.
“I will be a balanced and accountable leader,” Tory said.
