The truth about Paula Bennett and Judith Collins' new hair 'dos

When is a haircut just a haircut, and when is it a tell tale sign you're angling for a promotion?

Following Bill English's resignation as leader of the National Party, Newstalk ZB's Heather de Plessis-Allan took to Twitter to highlight some fresh new 'dos sported by Judith Collins and Paula Bennett, noting: "When a woman gets a new haircut, she's got a plan. This is how you know Judith Collins and Paula Bennett are keen on Bill English's job. Their new haircuts are like a declaration of WAR."

However "Mama Bennett" was having none of that, responding to du Plessis-Allan with: "And sometimes a haircut is just a haircut."

And sometimes a haircut is just a haircut 😀

— Paula Bennett (@paulabennettmp) February 13, 2018

Bennett, who's look has changed drastically since undergoing gastric bypass surgery, has ruled herself out of the National Party leadership race but will seek to stay on as deputy.

However Collins today confirmed she will contest the role to replace Bill English as National leader.

She's yet to comment on whether or not her fresh crop was prompted by Bill's departure.

Whatever the real reason, with 99 per cent humidity sweeping the country, we can't blame either of them for wanting to shed some layers.