A dress code has been proposed for county councillors attending meetings and civic events – which includes the banning of sportswear, slogans and political messaging.

Shorts would also be deemed unacceptable – except for if they are being worn on medical grounds – and hats and caps will also be not allowed, unless for religious or health reasons.

The restriction on clothing containing "slogans or political messaging" covers accessories such as lanyards, badges, rosettes and flags.

But councillors will be permitted to wear "a small pin badge of the Union Jack or St George Cross without any additional wording or alteration, and the Poppy".

The dress code is one of the proposed changes to Staffordshire County Council's constitution.

There are also changes to two procedural standing orders and an additional measure covering council meetings.

The new standing order states: "Where the chairman considers that a member's conduct is disrupting the meeting or is likely to distract members from their engagement in the meeting – eg by using a mobile phone – he/she may ask that member to desist.

"If the member continues to disregard the authority of the chairman, the chairman may ask them to retire for the remainder of the sitting.

"Should a member refuse to retire, the chairman may order their removal from the council chamber."

The proposed changes were presented to the council's Audit and Standards Committee at its latest meeting on Tuesday (7 July).

Members agreed to recommend the changes to the full council at its next meeting on Thursday, 16 July.

Monitoring officer Kate Loader said: "The purpose of the changes is to ensure the constitution remains current, practical and fit for purpose, reflecting both operational experience and the needs of the council moving forwards.

"The proposed amendments are limited in scope and are intended to provide greater clarity and consistency in the way council business is conducted.

"The code will need to be interpreted and applied by chairpersons, with common sense and proportionality."

The dress code, if formally adopted, will apply to all councillors when they are acting in an official capacity, such a attending full council and committee meetings, civic occasions and public engagements where they are representing the authority.

It stated: "Councillors are expected to wear smart casual attire that reflects the dignity of their role and their position in representing all of their constituents.

"When attending formal civic events – e.g. Remembrance services (or) Mayor's receptions – councillors should wear formal attire.

"Unacceptable attire includes sportswear – e.g. tracksuits (or) football shirts – shorts – except for medical reasons – clothing including (by way of example, any items and accessories such as lanyards, badges and rosettes, flags) slogans or political messaging (and) hats or caps, unless for religious or medical reasons.

"Consideration will be given to health or disability-related needs (and) religious dress requirements.

"Non-political clothing or items worn for medical reasons are also permitted, provided they do not compromise safety or the professional image of the council.

Permitted items would include military medals and insignia, when worn appropriately and legitimately, small pin badge of Union Jack or St George Cross without any additional wording or alteration, and the Poppy."