Two months after losing his press secretary to the Toronto Sun, Mayor Rob Ford has picked up a former scribe for the same paper.
George Christopoulous, currently a communications co-ordinator with the Toronto Police, will take over as the mayor's new press secretary next month. He replaces Adrienne Batra.
Previously, Mr. Christopoulous worked for several years as a municipal affairs reporter for the Toronto Sun.
"George brings a wealth of expertise as a front-line journalist and media relations specialist to our administration," Mayor Rob Ford said in a statement.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the mayor's agenda. The city could be facing a full-scale labour stoppage by this Sunday if negotiations between the city and its second-biggest union, CUPE Local 416, continue to deteriorate.
And within the confines of City Hall, Mr. Ford is facing a mutiny from councillors who have objections to his transit plan.
Mr. Christopoulous starts on Feb. 6.
Patrick White