Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in hospital with abdominal tumour

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who gained global notoriety after a well-publicized battle with addiction, was admitted to hospital with a tumour in his abdomen on Wednesday, throwing his campaign for re-election into doubt. A doctor said tests to determine the nature of the tumour will be done this week, including a biopsy to see if the tumor is malignant and whether it has spread. A visibly shaken Doug Ford refused to comment on whether his younger brother would suspend his mayoral campaign or drop out.

It saddens me that I have to be here today. Rob’s in good spirits and just wanted to thank the well-wishers…

Rob Ford’s brother, Doug Ford

The mayor, who came to power pledging to cut waste at city hall and keep a lid on taxes, has a core base of suburban support in Canada’s largest city. But he has trailed in the polls ahead of the October 27 election. A new poll published on Wednesday showed Ford running second behind former businessman John Tory, with 28 per cent support compared with 40 per cent for Tory. Left-leaning candidate Olivia Chow was in third place in the three-way race.

[I want Ford] back where he would want to be — with us at the debating tables talking about the city we all love.

Toronto mayoral candidate Olivia Chow

Americas Rob Ford