Walsall Reform leader proposes dress code for councillors

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 02:32 · Archive

Walsall councillors could be required to follow a dress code banning sportswear, shorts and political messaging.

A draft dress code for Walsall councillors has been prepared following a request from the authority's Reform leader, Councillor Elaine Williams. The standards committee will meet on 19 October to either reject it or recommend approval to full council, with or without amendments.

The policy imposes a general ban on sportswear, shorts, any clothing with 'slogans and political messaging', and hats and caps. At civic occasions, members would be required to wear formal attire. An 'exceptional circumstances' section permits certain items if councillors notify the relevant chairperson in advance, including religious or cultural dress, items worn for medical reasons, military medals, small Union Jack or Saint George's Cross pin badges and the Remembrance Poppy.

The chair of any meeting would have ultimate discretion over whether to excuse a councillor from the approved dress code, 'provided a satisfactory explanation is given'.

How it is being reported

• Reform creates list of items Walsall councillors must not wear at meetingsIt puts a general ban on sportswear, shorts, any clothing with ‘slogans and political messaging’, and hats and caps.Express & Star · 13 Oct, 02:00
• Reform UK creates list of items Walsall councillors must not wear at meetingsA list of items have been placed under an ‘exceptional circumstances’ section of the policyBirminghamLive · 12 Oct, 16:56

In this story: Walsall · Reform UK · Elaine Williams

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