Two of Rob Ford’s biggest allies on council are now calling on him to take a leave of absence amid a crack cocaine scandal that has consumed city hall.
Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly met with Ford in private Wednesday afternoon, where he said he asked the mayor to “take a pause” for the good of himself and the city.
The mayor rebuffed the suggestion, according to Kelly, prompting city council speaker Frances Nunziata to tell reporters that she was “frustrated” by Ford’s refusal to step aside.
Both Nunziata and Kelly have been longtime allies of the mayor.
“I told him that he could protect his family, himself, his political career and the vitality of his administration if he took a pause and regrouped and re-entered the fray later this year or early next year,” Kelly told CP24 following the meeting. “We reviewed all the things that we have discussed previously and all the concerns and worries of councillors and residents of Toronto and the options he has and it would appear that he is sticking with the announcement he made yesterday.”
Kelly has previously stood behind Ford publicly, telling CP24 that he was satisfied with the mayor’s apology for past “mistakes” following his radio show on Sunday.
The deputy mayor, however, said he felt he needed to go public with his concerns in light of Ford’s admission that he has smoked crack cocaine while in office on Tuesday.
“I define my role as a very confidential one and I have given him my best advice over these last few days and weeks, but in the end I think it is important for me to let the public know where I stand on this,” he said. “I am inviting him today, as I have previously, to take a pause. It’s the one option that takes care of all the issues on the table.”
Kelly, who represents Scarborough-Agincourt on council, said he will remain as deputy mayor despite Ford’s refusal to step aside.
“I will continue giving my best advice,” he told CP24.
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