Had all those staff cooped up in 70 Whitehall who are responsible to the deputy prime minister been listening to LBC 97.3 this morning (which I’m sure they weren’t of course; far too busy) they would have heard their boss announcing a dispensation from the usual rules of Whitehall attire, and giving them permission to turn up to work tomorrow in shorts.
The DPM didn’t even lay down any ground rules, so it seems it really is dress-down Friday time. Hawaiian shorts. A classy little three-quarter length denim number. And of course flip-flops and sandals. Or perhapsa less revealing pair of espadrilles.
Meanwhile, it looks like Clegg won’t be leading by example, but will simply continue to walk around the office without his shoes on to cope with the heatwave.
And we thought The Thick of It was satirical…
* Nick Thornsby is a day editor at Lib Dem Voice.
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8 Comments
Full marks for fostering diversity, nurturing creativity and enabling all citizens to take part in the decisions which affect their lives!
It’s definitely too hot to wear a onesie.
Next time he goes for a walk, in the stretch just before getting back to the car, he should consider walking barefoot along grass. Recommended to anyone.
Where I work in the Civil Service, we have already been given dispensation to wear tailored shorts whilst still maintaining a professional image. I’ll let everyone know Hawaiiian shorts are now compulsory… As for me? I’m wearing Helly Hanson polo shirt and linen trousers.
Actually it requires a super ego for Nick to even think it is any of his business. Is he or is he not a Liberal. Perhaps he would prefer shorts accompanied by sandals with socks to lend Liberal authenticity.
@ BrianD
“Actually it requires a super ego for Nick to even think it is any of his business.”
Actually, it just requires for him to be in charge of his staff, which he is. I don’t recall the paragraph about dress codes in the Constitution either.
@Simon Shaw Actually they are OUR staff. The staff are responsible to the Chief Executive
When I last went to an Australian social club (in the 1970s) shorts were only correct dress if they were worn with long socks. Maybe it is the bare hairy legs that is the problem with men in shorts.
BrianD, Nick is talking about his staff in 70 Whitehall, not Lib Dem party staff in 8-10 Great George Street…