Charles Latham, 1st Baron Latham
| Charles Latham, 1st Baron Latham | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
26 December 1888 Norwich |
| Died | 31 March 1970 (aged 81) London |
| Occupation | Politician |
Charles Latham, 1st Baron Latham (26 December 1888 – 31 March 1970) was a British politician and Leader of the London County Council from 1940 to 1947.
Latham was born with the surname Lathan in Norwich, but changed his name in order to distinguish himself from his elder brother, who also had a political career. He worked as a Railway Clerk there, and later moved to London where he became involved in Trade Union activities. He helped to form the London Labour Party in 1914, and was President of the National Union of Clerks in 1916. During World War I he fought in France with the Royal Sussex Regiment.
Latham had retrained as an accountant and continued his involvement in London politics, fighting the general elections of 1922 and 1923 in Hendon. His administrative skill and knowledge of transport issues led to his selection as a County Alderman on the London County Council in 1928. This brought him into close contact with Herbert Morrison, the Labour Leader on the LCC and Minister of Transport in the Labour government from 1929. Latham was a strong personal supporter of Morrison with whom he agreed on most issues (especially financial orthodoxy), and with Morrison's support he was elected again to the London Executive.
In the 1934 election Latham gave up his seat as an Alderman for an elected Councillor at Hackney South, again using Morrison's influence (Morrison had been Mayor and MP for Hackney). Labour won a majority and Latham was appointed as Chair of the Finance Committee, which both Morrison and Latham agreed should make sure that taxation was kept as low as possible. This work was seen to be successful when Labour were re-elected in 1937.
On 16 January 1942 he was created Baron Latham, of Hendon in the County of Middlesex.
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