A councillor from Mansfield has admitted an "unintentional" error after his 'smart-casual' attire was spotted during a live council meeting.
Vaughan Hopewell, who represents Mansfield East on Nottinghamshire County Council, was attending a virtual meeting of the council's communities and place board when viewers spotted something wasn't right with his outfit.
The councillor was wearing a shirt and tie for the live broadcast, however when he stood up to get a "quick can of Coke" at around the 29-minute mark, he was seen wearing blue shorts rather than trousers.
Mr Hopewell, who also represents Oak Tree on Mansfield District Council, said he planned to do gardening after the meeting and wanted to be prepared.
"I was sitting at home during the meeting and was going to do some gardening after it finished", the Mansfield Independents politician told Nottinghamshire Live.
"I normally wear a t-shirt and jeans when I'm around the house but dressed up for the meeting.
"I was sitting on my settee with my laptop on my leg, and I think at the time I went to get a quick can of Coke.
"So I pulled my laptop screen down to make sure the meeting couldn't see my house.
"At the time I was unaware that my bottom half could be seen. It's as simple as that."
The politician adds that the incident was ironic, with councillors briefed before the meeting that it was to be aired live online.
They were urged to dress smartly in a shirt and tie - with Councillor Hopewell admitting that he unintentionally "forgot the trousers".
He hopes that the incident "brought a smile" to someone's face during the tough coronavirus pandemic.
"The irony of it is that we had a pre-meeting briefing telling us that it would be broadcast live on YouTube, so we had to dress smartly", he added.
"We were told we had to wear a shirt and tie, I just forgot the trousers - although I didn't do it intentionally.
"We have been through such a tough time in these weeks and months, so if this has made someone's day or brought a smile to someone's face then I'm glad."
