A backbench MP upstaged his colleagues and leader today when he arrived for caucus meeting in a new suit.

National and first-term Waikato MP Tim van de Molen said he bought the Christmas-themed suit and tie combo online.

Several journalists waiting for National leader Bill English peeled off to join others keen to ask van de Molen about his attire, to bemused looks from other National MPs.

Asked if he was planning to wear the suit in the debating chamber today, he said he had talked to Speaker Trevor Mallard about doing so.

"And he suggested perhaps tomorrow might be better."

Van de Molen said he was unaware of a message written on the suit sleeve: "Stay weird and shine on".

"I think I have accomplished that today," van de Molen said, before obliging media by doing a spin to show off the suit properly.

Spotted in caucus just now. Not hard to spot. Just sayin. pic.twitter.com/POBoHImnYO

— Denise Lee (@DeniseLeeMP) December 18, 2017