Mayor Rob Ford’s lawyer will be in court this morning to argue his client should continue to be called “Mayor” Rob Ford.

Superior Court Justice Gladys Pardu will decide whether to grant Ford a stay, allowing him to stay on as Mayor while he appeals another judge’s ruling removing him from office.

Toronto resident Paul Magder, who launched the case that saw Ford ejected from office, has decided not to oppose the stay. That increases the chances it will be granted.

If not, Ford will be forced to step down as Mayor early next week. In the short term, Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday would take over. Ford’s appeal will be heard early in the new year.