TONY Blair's call for smart but casual dress for British politicians does not suit most of East Lancashire's MPs.

Mr Blair has called for an end to the "tyranny" of the conventional dark suit. And he has predicted that, in time, Britain will catch up with other political cultures where people in public life dress casually.

For once, the Prime Minister's strongest supporter is Tory Nigel Evans who likes to don jeans but is unlikely to be seen again in public in the infamous swimming trunks he sported during a charity fund-raising dip at Blackpool.

But Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: "I'm quite happy to wear a boring dark suit to work. I dress casually at home and I don't wear the suit when I'm painting the ceiling or in the gym!"

Burnley MP Peter Pike -- not known as one of Westminster's snappiest dressers -- agreed, saying: "I wear a suit most of the time. I don't think we should change. I'm happy in a suit.

"I often wear a suit to Turf Moor though I do sometimes go casually dressed. I wouldn't wear a replica Clarets shirt." Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "Away from work I wear a pair of chinos, a T-shirt and a fleece. "I think that when MPs are representing their constituents in the Commons, they should wear a suit. It also makes life much easier for men -- we don't have to think what to wear in the morning!"

Pendle MP and Right to Roam campaigner Gordon Prentice was also lukewarm on the idea: "I'm totally relaxed about the whole dress code thing. I shall wear my waxed jacket and walking boots to the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting when Tony turns up in jeans!" But Ribble Valley Tory Mr Evans was right behind the Prime Minister. He said: "He's absolutely right. We need to drop this formal dress code. In the Commons chamber, MPs should still wear suits, but there are plenty of other things we do at Westminster where they are not needed. My neighbours in Pendleton are used to seeing me in jeans.

"Other political cultures allow politicians to dress casually but smartly. However, after my last experience being photographed in swimming trunks, I don't think I shall be wearing them very often again!"

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson diplomatically declined to comment saying: "I wouldn't dream of discussing my male colleagues' dress sense. I have enough trouble making sure I look smart!"