Career
In 1910, Latham moved to Western Australia to take up 1,000 acres (40 km2) of land at East Kumminin (now Narembeen), 286 kilometers (178 mi) east of Perth. In his early farming days, he was unsuccessful, but was not deterred by the 1914 drought and owned 2,000 acres (81 km2) of land in 1921 when he entered parliament. In 1916 Latham enlisted in the entirely volunteer-run First Australian Imperial Force and was promoted to the rank of Corporal in January 1917.
He was wounded in France in March 1918.
Latham was promoted Sergeant in 1919 and was discharged in May of that year. Latham became the Country Party (now National Party) candidate for the Legislative Assembly seat of York in 1921 and became a MLC following this endorsement.
In 1930 Latham became the parliamentary leader of the Country Party and fervently rallied for farmers" rights. From 1933 onwards, Latham was the Leader of the Opposition until 1942, when he resigned to fill a vacancy in the Australian Senate but lost the 1943 election.
Latham died on 26 August 1968 and was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery.