in 1970. He remained in this role until 1979. Following the 1970 general election, which saw Latham hold his seat with an increased majority, he championed the cause of the Irish Nationalist MP Bernadette Devlin, who had been imprisoned for incitement to riot. He visited her in Armagh prison, and secured an agreement that she could deal with her constituency correspondence. After the February 1974 general election (owing to boundary changes), Latham became MP for Paddington. In Parliament, he was founder, and joint chairman, of the All-Party Group for Pensioners from 1971 to 1979. He was also chairman of the Tribune Group of soft-left Labour MPs from 1975 to 1976 (and its treasurer from 1977 to 1979). From 1977 to 1986, he was chairman of the Greater London Labour Party. At the 1978 local elections, Latham stood for election to Chase Cross ward (based around the area of that name) in Romford, but lost out to the Conservative candidates. His wife, Ruby, who had first been elected to Mawney (also in Romford) in 1971, lost her seat at that election. In 1979, Latham lost his Paddington seat to the Conservative John Wheeler by 106 votes (0.3% of the total). It was so close that Latham asked for three recounts, and the result was not declared until late on the Friday morning. After Parliament In 1981, Latham was shortlisted to be Labour's candidate for the forthcoming Bermondsey by-election, but lost out to Peter Tatchell (who failed to be elected). With boundary changes, Latham's former Paddington seat was largely replaced by Westminster North for the 1983 general election. Latham contested Westminster North, but it was held by the Conservatives. From 1983 to 1984, he was a non-executive Director of the London Transport Board. At the 1986 local elections, Latham was again elected to the London Borough of Havering as a councillor, representing the Brooklands ward in Romford. He was once again Leader of the Labour Group, holding this title from 1986 to 1998. From 1986 to 1990, he was Leader of the Opposition, and then, from 1990 to 1996, Leader of the Council. Latham was also was Vice-President of the Association of Metropolitan Authorities. Latham was challenged over his leadership in 1995 and 1997. On the latter occasion, it followed discussions over the effect on the party of Liberal Democrat activist Terry Hurlstone's conviction for assaulting Latham. This incident occurred in March