John Tory has stripped one of his deputy mayors of the title after he endorsed Doug Ford for mayor in 2018.

On Tuesday, Councillor Vincent Crisanti, who represents Ward 1 (Etobicoke North) said he was backing Doug Ford in the coming election, levelling a major blow in a campaign that has not yet begun officially.

The move prompted Tory to oust him.

“I thank Councillor Crisanti for his time in this position,” read an emailed statement from Tory. “But, based on his words and actions over the past few days, he has clearly stated he does not support my administration and intends to campaign for another candidate who has an approach that I believe will take the city backwards.”

Tory named rookie councillor Stephen Holyday (Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre) as Crisanti’s replacement, calling him a “strong voice for Etobicoke.”

Crisanti, a long-time ally of the Fords, told the Star Tory called him Tuesday to tell him his role as deputy mayor had been revoked.

“We had a very civil discussion,” Crisanti said. “I made it very clear with John that I was prepared to continue to serve . . . but clearly John doesn’t feel comfortable with that and I can understand that, too.”

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The councillor’s allegiances came into question after he appeared centre stage at the annual Ford family BBQ, dubbed “Ford Fest,” held at Ford’s mother’s home in Etobicoke on Friday.

“Wow! Let me say this: if anyone doubts the power of Ford Nation, come here tonight,” Crisanti told the crowd Friday. “I’m honoured to be here tonight. I’m honoured to always support Ford Fest, and here we are supporting the Ford family any way we can. I was thinking to myself about Rob Ford. Rob Ford is with us. He is everywhere tonight. I had such a great, very close relationship with Rob. I was first elected in 2010 with the support of Rob Ford and I’m here today because of the Fords.”

On Monday, Tory was asked whether a deputy mayor could support a different mayoral contender.

“I would expect they wouldn’t, to be frank,” Tory told reporters. “When that appointment is made, I think it carries with it the expectation that you’re an important part of the team.”

Tory named four deputy mayors in 2014. North York Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong wields the official powers of deputy mayor, while the appointments of Crisanti, Scarborough Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker and the late downtown councillor Pam McConnell were largely symbolic. The appointments followed a campaign promise of uniting a city, often divided along urban and suburban lines, under the banner of “One Toronto.”

As deputy mayors, the four have represented Tory at various functions and — with the exception of McConnell — have been largely loyal to Tory within the council chamber on major policy votes.

Crisanti came to city hall under Rob Ford’s administration with the mayor’s support, beating incumbent Suzan Hall after two unsuccessful attempts in 2000 and 2003.

He supported the Fords in important moves including ousting former TTC CEO Gary Webster when he opposed the push to extend the Sheppard subway and on failed votes such as the one held on a possible downtown casino.

“We have a very great relationship. We always have,” Crisanti said of the Fords.

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The 2018 campaign does not start until May 1, when the nomination period begins.

Ford declared his intentions to launch a rematch with Tory, who has always promised to run for a second term, at Ford Fest on Friday.

With files from David Rider and Emily Mathieu

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