Rob Ford remains mayor after winning appeal
Posted Jan 25, 2013 2:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – Rob Ford has won an appeal of a lower court ruling that ordered him removed from office for a conflict of interest, thus allowing him to continue as Toronto’s mayor.
A Divisional Court released its decision at 10:30 a.m. Friday.
Shortly after the ruling was released, Ford retured to the mayor’s office and was greeted by cheering staff members. He didn’t say anything on his way in, but had a huge smile on his face.
In an address to the media at around 11:30 a.m., Ford said the legal battle was a “very humbling experience.”
He also thanked his legal team and his family for their support.
Ford said moving forward “we will continue to do the work we were elected to do.”
The three-judge panel agreed with Ford’s lawyers, who had argued the previous ruling was legally flawed.
In November, an Ontario Superior justice ordered Ford removed as mayor for taking part in a council vote that he repay $3,150 raised for his private football foundation.
The ruling was put on hold pending Friday’s decision.
Despite the legal win, Ford’s woes are not done. A forensic audit of Ford’s 2010 campaign expenses is expected to be released next month.
“We also need to know what happened with the campaign finances,” Coun. Adam Vaughan said. “There are allegations out there that he cheated during the last election.”
“If that’s true, then [Ford] may not be able to run with or without a good judgement on Friday.”
If Ford is found to have violated the Municipal Elections Act he could face further charges, which could lead to a fine or removal from office.
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