Rob Ford's brother won't rule out Toronto mayoralty bid

Toronto Coun. Doug Ford would not rule out running to replace his brother as mayor if Rob Ford is barred as a candidate in a byelection ahead of the 2014 municipal election.

Rob Ford was ordered out of office on Monday after a judge ruled he violated the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

The ruling allows Ford to remain mayor for only 12 more days, but he can apply for a stay or appeal the judge’s decision.

If those moves fail to keep Ford in the mayor’s chair, city council has the option of selecting a new mayor or calling a byelection to replace him.

Doug Ford would not confirm or deny Wednesday's report.

“We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he told CBC News. "I'm not denying it, I'm saying I'm focused on Rob here. Rob's the mayor and I'm going to support Rob to the bitter end."

Ford also said supporters of the mayor have been calling and voicing their opposition to the judge's ruling.

"We have the base rallied like we've never had the base rallied before," he said. "If the election was held today in my humble opinion, Rob would be mayor the next day after the election."

City solicitor Anna Kinastowski said Tuesday the city's legal team believes the judge’s order prohibits Rob Ford from running should a byelection be held. The judge’s ruling, however, does not bar Ford from seeking re-election in the next municipal election.

He has said he will seek re-election at the earliest opportunity.