A political strategist who led Rob Ford’s campaign in 2010 is prepared to back John Tory if the radio show host and political activist runs for mayor, a source tells CP24.
Nick Kouvalis was instrumental in Ford’s rise to the mayor’s chair but he has reportedly been involved in talks with Tory, who would be one of Ford’s chief opponents in October’s election.
“There is currently no campaign but if John Tory runs, Kouvalis has indicated he will be helping,” the source told CP24.
Kouvalis has been advising Tory, the former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader, and is helping to frame up a potential campaign, the Globe and Mail reports.
Responding to the news at city hall, Ford said he wished Kouvalis “the best of luck.” He then proceeded to call on Tory and other rumoured candidates to officially enter the race.
“Let’s stop talking about it and let’s get into the ring. I want (Olivia) Chow, I want (John) Tory, I want whoever,” he said. “Let’s get it on. Talk is cheap. I want to get into the ring, drop the gloves and lets get it on.”
After Ford became mayor in December 2010, Kouvalis served as his chief of staff for a couple months before he left and later joined Campaign Research, a marketing research firm.
Discussing the development at city hall Wednesday, Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly said that Kouvalis would certainly be an asset to a potential Tory campaign.
“Nick is a very aggressive guy,” he said. “He very sharply defines the goals for a campaign and he is a driver, so in hockey terms they got a guy that isn’t afraid to go into the corners.”
Ford's re-election campaign is being managed by his brother, Coun. Doug Ford.
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