More turmoil likely after Toronto city council strips mayor of powers during stormy session

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is shown in a video frame grab as he knocks down Councillor Pam McConnell as he ran toward hecklers in the audience at City Hall on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paola Loriggio) (The Associated Press)

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, left, sits with his lawyer George Rust-D'Eye in the council chamber as councillors look to pass motions to limit his powers at city hall in Toronto on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. Blasting what he called a "coup d'etat," Ford said voters should be able to pass judgment on him, not his fellow councillors. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young) (The Associated Press)

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford raises his fist in a mock salute in the council chamber as Councillors look to pass motions to limit his powers in Toronto on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. Rob Ford faced another likely setback Monday as the City Council took up a motion to snatch away many of his remaining powers in a heated council meeting where he knocked over a woman councilor. Ford called the effort a "coup d'etat" and challenged the council to call snap elections. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young) (The Associated Press)

After a tempestuous debate, Toronto's City Council has stripped Mayor Rob Ford of the last of his substantive powers because of multiple scandals, but further turmoil seems inevitable.

The mayor, defiant despite admissions of illegal drug use and heavy drinking, is vowing "outright war" to take on his critics in next year's election.

Just before a series of votes went against him on Monday, Ford accused his opponents of staging "a coup d'etat."

The council session was one of the stormiest in memory as the burly mayor argued with members of the public and at one point knocked down a petite councilwoman as he charged at one of the hecklers. Cries of "Shame, shame" came from the gallery.

The council voted overwhelmingly in favor of slashing Ford's office budget by 60 percent.