'A big eff you to the Nats': Did Paula Bennett know what was in Tom Sainsbury's video

National Party MP Paula Bennett, pictured with flowers on her 50th, filmed a segment with Tom Sainsbury. Photo / Mark Mitchell

National MP Paula Bennett who yesterday announced she was quitting says she had no idea what comedian Tom Sainsbury would put in his exit video.

In yesterday's face-swapped segment he impersonated Bennett - one of his most beloved characters - retiring from politics and said it was "a big eff you" to the National Party.

Throughout the clip, Sainsbury stops himself repeatedly from criticising the National Party or the new leadership team who rolled former leader Simon Bridges and Bennett, his deputy, last month.

"I'm going to keep it civil," Sainsbury jokes.

"Obviously I'm going to see out the rest of the term, and then it's sayonara Nikki [Kaye], sayonara Todd [Muller]."

The clip has a surprise ending with Sainsbury in a grey wig dancing around Bennett's living room with the real Paula Bennett - both in colourful kimonos.

Bennett said today she had no idea what the comedian would say in his video. He filmed the impersonation at his home.

"I had no idea what Tom was going to do and has comedian license, which I suppose is a way to do it," Bennett said.

"I'm hardly ever going to tell Tom what he can and can't do. He's been doing a parody for years - some of which I've found funny, some of which I've winced at and most of which I'd never say so why would someone take that seriously."

Asked whether she'd endorse the "eff you" message in hindsight, Bennett said: "Of course not."

Bennett also said for the first time today National leader Todd Muller did know she was leaving before Sainsbury.

She just hadn't told Muller when she'd make the announcement but gave Sainsbury the head's up.

"To be fair I didn't decide that until the Sunday and Todd wouldn't look good in a kimono."

Muller said this morning Bennett's appearance didn't bother him.

"According to my daughter there are all sorts of TikTok videos around of me that are even worse so I'll just have to run with it."