“Fashion” and “politician” are not words you often read in the same sentence. The ubiquitous shirt and tie ensemble for blokes is occasionally augmented by an Akubra when visiting drought affected farmers, or a checkered wool knit deep in the Canberra winter, but beyond that the formula is rarely tinkered with.

Likewise hairstyles. The ever sensible short back and sides is standard issue for most fellas, while their female counterparts have more scope for self-expression. Recent styles have ranged from the Gillard (red, angular, contemporary) to the Coonan (actually a blonde hair helmet lifted onto one’s head prior to leaving the house each morning).

The new PM, however, has returned from his xmas holidays with a bold new look. The college-boy parting remains in full effect, but over his two week “working break” Mr Rudd has dramatically extended the sideburn portion of the equation.

Reports that Peter Garrett has accused Mr Rudd of “showing off” could not be confirmed by Crikey. Very Monkey. 

Then:

  Now, as seen in today’s Age: