Lathan was a parliamentary candidate at successive general elections. In 1922 he was defeated in Enfield, then in 1923 and 1924 he stood in Sheffield Park, finally winning the seat in 1929.
Lathan pursued a career in politics by running for parliament at successive general elections. He faced setbacks in Enfield in 1922, but persisted with his efforts in Sheffield Park in 1923 and 1924 before ultimately securing the seat in 1929.