Doug Ford won't run for provincial Tories

Coun. Doug Ford says he has turned down an offer to run for the the provincial Tories in the October election.

Ford, a key council ally of his brother Mayor Rob Ford, hadmused in Februaryabout running for the Progressive Conservatives in Etobicoke North, a riding currently held by Liberal MPP Shafiq Qaadri.

But he said Thursday that he would stay on as councillor instead.

"Rob needs my help down here and we're going to turn this ship around," Doug Ford told CBC News.

Ford replaced his brother as the city council representative for Ward 2 (Etobicoke North) in last fall's municipal election. Ward 2 accounts for about half of the provincial Etobicoke North riding.