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If anyone can be appointed, might we see a shift in agenda?

That’s entirely possible. Doug Holyday, the deputy mayor, is keenly aware of that prospect. He would step in the chief magistrate’s shoes on an interim basis by acting as mayor, but not becoming mayor. “I’m not willing to support someone who is going to change our agenda and if that appeared to be the option that was going to succeed I’d want to have an election,” said Mr. Holyday. “I know that’s a costly matter, but I think the public has spoken and I think the public are quite in agreement with the agenda that Rob Ford has put forward.”

So, are councillors already jockeying for the top post in the event that the mayor loses his seat?

By some accounts, not yet. Councillor Joe Mihevc, a member of the left, said the number of permutations and combinations that could result from the court ruling have kept speculation on the second floor of city hall at bay. “There is an air of niceness in people who may be interested in that office,” he noted, “but courting votes right now, it’s not happening.” Councillor Shelley Carroll, who is considering a run for the mayor’s chair in 2014, said City Clerk Ulli Watkiss has hinted that a mayoral by-election will take “a lot of prep.” Any more than six months, said Ms. Carroll, and council will have to consider the cost (reportedly $7-million) of such a venture. If council decides to appoint a replacement, Ms. Carroll said her interest will depend on whether any conditions, such as banning the appointee from running in the next election, are imposed. And if it’s a by-election, she will still have some “soul searching” to do. “You can bet I will be up late on Monday night having a long conversation with some very good friends if the outcome is not favourable for the mayor,” said Ms. Carroll.