Article content continued

“He’s part of the John Tory campaign,” councillor Ford shouted. “He won’t leave, we won’t leave. It’s very simple. He wants to be biased.”

Mr. Van Dette did not deny supporting Mr. Tory when asked by reporters. On July 15, Mr. Van Dette tweeted during a debate that Mr. Tory “looks like the mayor Toronto needs.” He has previously tweeted other messages of support for Mr. Tory and has publicly criticized other candidates.

“Chow is pandering. Her anti-gun law won’t do anything. And pandering isn’t leadership,” he tweeted July 14.

But Mr. Van Dette, a well-known supporter of Ontario’s Progressive Conservative party, insisted he had no sway in the debate.

“This is a community association debate. The rules were set up by a debate committee,” he told CP24. “There is a media panel that is running the debate with the questions. This is an opportunity for the community to attend. There are 40 some odd debates being planned in the future and if any of the people want to attend they can go elsewhere. If the mayor decides that he wants to come in, every campaign is limited by the standard one person per candidate.”

It appeared the Ford campaign was about to leave amid the pushing and shouting.

“You’ve got John Tory’s colleagues on the panel. Two of us are coming in or we’re leaving. It’s very simple,” councillor Ford said. “This is a closed-door meeting. Not everyone from East York is allowed in.”

But the Fords, along with Mr. Massoudi soon pushed past the door and into the church.