McCully goes from Groucho to Young Turk

Michelle Boag's out-with-the-old campaign in the National Party has claimed another victim - Murray McCully's moustache.

National's Albany MP lost his furry companion of at least 25 years on Sunday in a blatant attempt to look younger.

"After the president made that speech about moving on the old guard, most of my colleagues went out to change the dates of birth on their CVs and to dye their hair," Mr McCully said yesterday.

"So I thought some sort of gesture was called for from me - particularly since the moustache had been going increasingly grey."

He said it felt strange, but joked that it was "all part of this kinder, gentler National Party image we are trying to foster".