Mutton was the unsuccessful Liberal Democrat candidate for Concord at the 1944 state election. He was defeated by Labor's Bill Carlton. He was also unsuccessful as the Liberal candidate at the next election in 1947. Mutton was eventually elected to parliament as the member for Concord at the 1949 by-election caused by the death of Carlton. However, he died suddenly nine months after his election, suffering a fatal heart attack at his home in Concord West. He did not hold party, parliamentary or ministerial office.