Blayne Lastman decides he will not be a candidate for Toronto mayor
TORONTO — Blayne Lastman, the son of former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman, announced Thursday that he will not be seeking the city’s top job, ending weeks of speculation that he would try to follow in his father’s footsteps.
In an early morning statement, Blayne Lastman said he decided not to run for mayor in the Oct. 22 municipal election after “careful consideration and consultation” with his family.
“The last week has been an emotional roller-coaster,” Lastman said in the statement. “While I am overwhelmed by the support I have received, my decision not to run is in the best interest of my family, my business and of course, the great City of Toronto.”
Lastman is best known for running the Bad Boy furniture and appliance empire his father started in 1955. He was expected to appear at city hall on Thursday and announce his candidacy, a day before the deadline to enter the race.