Speculation is building that former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory may take another look at running for the Toronto mayor's job.
If John Tory jumps into the mayor's race, Rob Ford has no intention of dropping out - and his brother plans to run for council to help prove the family's commitment.
"Rob Ford's not jumping out because there's going to be a Ford running in Ward 2," said Doug Ford, the mayoral candidate's older brother and campaign manager.
The elder Ford wouldn't officially confirm the long-standing rumour that he is the Ford relative scoping out Rob Ford's current seat in Ward 2 Etobicoke North. However, The Globe has learned he's expected to launch his campaign at a party Aug. 6.
Meanwhile, speculation is building that Mr. Tory is considering changing his mind and running to replace David Miller.
Some senior Tories said Tuesday night that Mr. Tory has won the backing of former premier Mike Harris, who has reportedly called the Ford camp to urge them to withdraw.
Doug Ford said Mr. Harris - who was premier when the late Doug Ford Sr., patriarch of the Ford clan, sat in the Progressive Conservative caucus - called him last week.
"He didn't ask Rob to jump out," Doug Ford said. "I don't believe he will."
Mr. Tory is on vacation from his radio show on Newstalk 1010, prompting some to speculate that he'll use the time to make up his mind. A campaign team is in place if Mr. Tory decides to run, said one source encouraging the former Progressive Conservative leader to enter the race.
For his part, Mr. Tory said by e-mail that he is devoting the week to the City Summit Alliance, which he chairs, and de-cluttering his condo before moving. "Still nothing new to say, still no interviews even on 1010!" he wrote Tuesday night.
Mr. Tory has been saying for weeks now that he has "no plans to have plans" to run for mayor, but he's kept the door ajar by insisting you "never say never" in politics. A group of right-leaning councillors including Case Ootes, Mike Feldman and Denzil Minnan-Wong have been working hard to persuade him.
"I'm not aware that he's made any decisions," Mr. Minnan-Wong said. "John has to make a decision and when he makes a decision, there will be a team."
A groundswell of support from voters unimpressed with the current candidates for mayor, coupled with at least two internal polls that show he would win are also factoring into Mr. Tory's decision.
"I believe there's two different polls being done," another source said. "My understanding is he's leading, but it's not a lock ... John will only run if he's 100-per-cent sure he's going to win."
Warren Kinsella, one of the inner circle who intended to work on a Tory campaign before the candidate bowed out in January, said he'll "100 per cent" work for Mr. Tory now if he changes his mind. "As far as I know, John Tory remains an extremely popular radio host and I remain a political hack in search of a mayoralty candidate," Mr. Kinsella said.
However, he pointed out that Mr. Tory could have trouble assembling a top-notch team. The city's best political organizers are already attached to other candidates; most of Rocco Rossi's advisers are refugees from Mr. Tory's aborted bid.
Even his son, John Tory Jr., is working for a competitor, Sarah Thomson.
"I don't know anything more about it than anyone else, because as far as I know he hasn't announced a candidacy," Mr. Tory said of his father, before handing the phone to Ms. Thomson. The pair were in a meeting together Tuesday night.
Will she stay in the race if Mr. Tory runs?
"Oh totally, yeah," she said. "It'll be exciting."
Kelly Grant