MAYOR Stan Pajak has defended his controversial decision not to wear traditional ceremonial dress when chairing full council meetings.

Coun Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) sparked a row when he walked into the chamber in a dark blue suit, shirt, tie and mayoral chain to chair his first meeting since taking office in May.

Every mayor since 1900 has worn the red robe with ermine-style trim, but Coun Pajak announced he would be doing away with tradition in a letter to councillors before he took office.

At Thursday night's full council meeting, Conservative group leader Mike Bawden said Coun Pajak was displaying a "disregard to the traditions of the council" by not wearing his mayoral robes.

But Coun Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) hit back and said: "It's my choice, I think it is the way forward and I would hope to have the support of the council.

"Council meetings are business meetings and the robes are purely ceremonial. I believe the gowns would make me separate from everyone else when it's all about inclusion and equality.

He was backed by council leader Sue Bates (Lab, Gorse Hill and Pinehurst).