Since we took control of the Council two years ago it has become increasingly important that we show we are serious and competent, and demonstrate a business like manner.

Our conduct is central and this includes our appearance. For the past two years the men in the group have been wearing suits, shirts and ties. They are also clean shaven and have tidy hair at all Council meetings, select committees, meetings of outside or partner bodies. Excuses have not been accepted from them for turning up in casual clothing. This also shows respect to our residents, businesses and officers (who we also expect to wear business dress in formal meetings).

This email is sent to all women members, many of whom always dress smartly for formal meetings, but it is sent so as not to single out anyone at this stage, and to make it clear what is expected of women members. It is evident that some women members have not been keeping the same standard of appearance as the men.

Women Councillors are required to wear business dress in formal meetings. We do have more choice in what we can wear, but that does not mean that casual clothing passes as business dress. Smart business dress should preferably include a tailored jacket, but a smart dress, skirt, trousers, blouse or top are fine so long as they are not casual. Cardies, vests, tee-shirts, baggy and / or unpressed clothes count as >casual, and are not appropriate for formal meetings. Similarly we have more choice about our hair, which in a business situation should be tidy.

Guidance is available by simply observing the dress of those women members who always look smart in formal situations - I think we all know who they are. If women members do arrive at formal meetings in casual wear from now on I will be speaking with them. This does not apply to non-formal situations.

Councillor Pam Thomas
Labour Group Deputy Chief Whip