Toronto Mayor John Tory has taken aim at nemesis Doug Ford’s shifting political ambitions and campaign launch location.

Tory was asked by reporters about Ford — who had vowed a rematch with Tory in the October civic election, but is now seeking the leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party — on Tuesday during a visit to a Scarborough recreation centre.

“I have trouble keeping up with his ambitions,” a grinning Tory said of Ford who, if he fails to become PC leader and contest the June provincial election, could still seek the mayor’s chair. The civic campaign starts in May but candidates have months to declare their candidacy.

Ford, who was Ward 2 city councillor from 2010 to 2014 and closest advisor to brother Rob Ford during his scandal-filled mayoral reign, summoned reporters to the basement of his mother Diane’s Etobicoke home Monday to announce his provincial ambitions.

“Right now this party needs strong leadership. Someone who’s ready to clean up the mess and lead us into the June election,” Ford told reporters crowded into in an area, cleared of couches, between the fireplace and the bar.

“I had every intention of running for mayor of this great city, but I can’t watch the (Progressive Conservative) party I love fall into the hands of the elites. The elites have shut the door on the grassroots, the foundation of our party.”

Tory, who served as PC leader from 2004 to 2009 and beat Ford in the 2014 mayoral election, joked about Ford’s choice of launch location.

“It also cause me to rethink my own campaign plans because my mother lives in an apartment building, and she doesn't have a basement so I don't know what I'm going to do if I'm announcing my campaign,” Tory said.

“Having said all that, that campaign will unfold in the way that it should. I'm just content to do my job as the mayor and focus on recreation programs and building transit and addressing housing and keeping taxes low and I will continue to do that. Other campaigns, we'll all watch with great interest and I'm sure some degree of amusement, and they will unfold as they should.”

Asked if he could work with Ford if he becomes premier, Tory said absolutely.

“My job is to stand up for Toronto to get what Toronto needs to move forward . . . ,” the mayor said, adding he will “aggressively” press all three provincial party leaders for Toronto-friendly policies during the Ontario campaign.

“Regardless of who wins that (PC) leadership, or who wins the election to follow, I will work with that person in partnership.”

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Read more about: