How Parliament spiralled a bit out of control on second-to-last day of political year

On the second-to-last day of the political year, things just spiralled a bit out of control.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was forced to apologise to ACT leader David Seymour after she was caught calling him an "arrogant prick" in Parliament. 

"Such an arrogant prick," said Ardern, the champion of kindness.

It's now in black and white in Hansard, the official parliamentary record. 

Asked by Newshub if he's an "arrogant prick", Seymour responded: "No."

It's not the most parliamentary language.

"That would be an inappropriate characterisation," said Kiri Allan. 

"It's not edifying language," said Christopher Luxon.

"That's a shame if that's what she said," said Nicola Willis.

Though not all MPs wholeheartedly disagreed with Ardern. 

Chris Hipkins refused to say if he thought Seymour is an "arrogant prick". Carmel Sepuloni said "those are not the words I would use".

"I think in the spirit of Christmas I won't comment any further," said Michael Wood.

"I'm not going to comment on it aye. A lot of things get said in the House. I am sure worse has been said by them," said Kelvin Davis.

It's apparently not the worst Seymour's heard of himself, though he resorted to rhyme for the sake of broadcasting standards

"People have said I should have been a banker, people have called me a runt," said the ACT leader.

The apology from Ardern came swiftly. 

"Jacinda Ardern text me and said, 'I apologise, it's not something I should have said' and she said, as my mum would say, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it. I agree with the sentiment and it is all good as far as I am concerned," said Seymour. 

"That is good that we remain collegial despite of all of our various different feelings for each other in heated moments," said Allan.

There were also attempts to change the subject.

"Does anyone have any questions on the emergency housing review," asked Megan Woods. 

Things have gone a bit pear-shaped at the pointy end of the parliamentary year.

The Prime Minister on Tuesday also announced who'll be flying the coop at the election - Poto Williams, Aupito William Sio, David Clark, Jamie Strange, Marja Lubeck and Paul Eagle.

Hamilton East's Strange's parting gift was a savage leaving quote: "I feel I am better suited for Government than Opposition."

Ardern denies that's a prediction of next year's election result. 

"Take his comment as read. He has enjoyed being an MP whilst we've been in Government. He has made a decision for personal reasons," she said. 

Luxon's feeling good after a banger bounce in the Newshub-Reid Research poll this year. So good he's not even thought about what he'll do if he loses. He won't commit to serving a full term if he doesn't make it.

"I'm just focused on what I need to do for next year," he told Newshub.

So you won't commit to a full term if you lose?

"I haven't thought about any of that. It's just not on my radar. I haven't even contemplated it." 

Judging by Tuesday's antics the election battle is going to be bananas.

Jenna Lynch Analysis

So is everyone taking their foot off the gas on the last day of Parliament? No, we're expecting a  decision on whether or not the Government will extend the fuel tax.

This decision has been kept so secret the Government's even tried to keep the day it's being announced from us.

But Newshub undertands it will be announced on Wednesday by the Finance Minister at the opening of the Government's books - the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update.

With all signs pointing to those economic forecasts being grim and the Government needing to tighten its belt, the fact it's being announced there, well read into that what you will.