Mayor John Tory, vowing to end divisions at city hall, will face his first test from the chamber floor on just his third day in office.

After his slate of appointments drew ire for largely excluding left-leaning and downtown councillors, at least one of his choices will be challenged by members of the new council.

Maria Augimeri, the longest-serving councillor, says she will declare her candidacy for Speaker on Wednesday, opposing Tory’s pick of Councillor Frances Nunziata.

“I want to create a new and inclusive tone at council,” Augimeri (Ward 9, York Centre) told the Star.

While the position of deputy mayor and the chairs of the seven standing committees are Tory’s choice alone, the Speaker is chosen by a vote of council.

It appears members on the left are prepared to send a message to Tory by defying his choice for Speaker.

Nunziata, who was Rob Ford’s choice for Speaker during his term as mayor, has been criticized for her editorializing at council and her sometimes abrasive approach.

According to a source inside the mayor’s office, Nunziata has agreed to observe the Speakers at Queen’s Park and the House of Commons in Ottawa “as part of her ongoing education in her role.”

The source said Tory needs Nunziata’s help to accomplish his agenda, but that Tory also expects a new decorum at council.

“Frances has the experience, but she has to understand that the tone needs to change,” the source said. “She has indicated that she does and she is willing to adopt a more civil, collaborative approach.”

The Speaker at the city level is always selected from among the councillors. The job involves keeping order, setting the pace of debate and directing the process of each council meeting. The perks of the position aren’t tangible, but it carries a level of prestige and authority.

On Tuesday, Nunziata said she thinks there is already different mood on council.

Asked if she was surprised about opposition to her re-election as Speaker, Nunziata said, “Not everyone is going to be happy at all times.”

“I think what’s really important (is) that we work together and we respect each other and move on with our agenda,” she said. “Let’s put whatever feelings that you had behind you and let’s work together as a council.”

Nunziata has said previously that she wanted the chance to return as Speaker.

Though Tory dumped both Nunziata and Councillor Michael Thompson from the police board, he selected both to return to other roles they had previously held. Thompson was named to his old position as chair of the economic development committee and given a seat on the executive committee.

Augimeri needs a majority of council votes, out of a total of 45, to win the Speaker’s seat.

Councillor Gord Perks indicated he will be supporting Augimeri, saying she has been “effective and inclusive” in her roles as chair of the North York community council and recently as chair of the TTC board.

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“I think she would bring those talents to council,” Perks said.

Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam — who, according to some left-leaning councillors, was snubbed by Tory for a prominent position — said she will also support Augimeri.

With the 12 councillors on Tory’s executive committee unlikely to vote against the new mayor’s wishes, Augimeri will have to persuade enough councillors in the middle to win a majority.

It’s unclear how councillors such as centrist Josh Colle —— picked by Tory to replace Augimeri at the helm of the TTC board — will vote, and whether those who have been offered new roles by Tory will split with him over the Speaker.

Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, who officially became one of Tory’s deputies on Tuesday, said he knows some councillors are unhappy with the “coalition” the mayor has built, but it’s a team he thinks has shown “balance.”

“Obviously there are some members of council — not all of them — that are pretty bitter and unhappy with the outcome, but, you know, you can’t make everybody happy in a council of 44 with different views, perspectives,” Minnan-Wong said.

During his formal remarks at city hall on Tuesday, Tory called on all councillors to work together towards a common vision to end gridlock and child poverty, and to find “uncommon” solutions to problems such as transit and youth unemployment.

“We are one Toronto and that means one for all and all for one,” Tory said. “As mayor, I pledge to you an open door and an open mind. I will not let ideology of any kind stand in the way of a good idea or doing what is right.”

As he stood in front of his new colleagues wearing the chain of office and a tie from his late father, John Tory, the mayor thanked Councillor Norm Kelly for his “unique contributions” in the past year. As deputy mayor, the Scarborough councillor took over from Ford during his absence while in rehab and after council stripped Ford of most of his powers.

Tory also turned his attention to his predecessor, now Councillor Ford, asking council to informally pass a “motion” thanking him for his public service and wishing him a “speedy recovery” as he continues treatment for a rare cancer.

Only some members of council rose to their feet to applaud Ford as his mother, wife and brother Randy looked on from the gallery.

Council will resume at 2 p.m. Wednesday, when members will vote to approve committee appointments and other positions, including that of Speaker.

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