Toronto council debates John Tory’s budget amid his scandal

Mayor John Tory is present at Toronto city council Wednesday as he remains in office to see his budget get debated.

Tory did not answer questions from reporters regarding his plans to resign as he made his way to the chamber this morning, saying he was going to “deal with the budget” and “get that done.”

Tory, 68, made a shocking resignation announcement Friday after admitting he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a former staff member.

READ MORE: John Tory to remain Toronto mayor for this week’s budget debate

There has been mixed reaction from councillors following the news of his plan to step down.

Some councillors have been trying to convince Tory not to resign, saying the city needs strong leadership.

On the other hand, councillors have said today’s budget debate could see attempts to alter certain proposals in the document.

READ MORE: Toronto Mayor John Tory resigns after affair with former staffer

Premier Doug Ford, speaking in Brampton, Ont., after making an unrelated announcement, said Tory has been a “phenomenal partner” and it’s not time to change the leadership of the city because everything is going “tickety-boo.”

“If a lefty mayor gets in there, God help the people of Toronto,” Ford said.

The premier didn’t directly comment on the reason Tory announced his resignation, saying that’s a private issue.

The budget being discussed today is the first Tory prepared under new “strong mayor” powers granted by the Ontario government.

Those powers allow Tory a veto over changes and the ability to push through his fiscal plan with only one-third council support.