John Key's resignation yesterday seems to have inspired Banksy (or his imitator), who has returned overnight with a new satirical masterpiece.

A large Banksy-esque mural has popped up in the alley between Durham and Grey Streets, running behind the Trustpower building.

It depicts a smiling Prime Minister John Key dancing a jig, as a UFO beams him up.

He appears to be flipping everybody off, aka ‘pulling the fingers' in Kiwi slang.

His suit jacket is flapping open, revealing his shirt, on which the phrase ‘Don't Vote' is emblazoned. Underneath is the word ‘Banksy', perhaps as a hint of authorship for those unfamiliar with the artist's style.

The question, of course, is the same we asked last time: is this the real Banksy, or a cunning mimic?

Certainly, it looks like Banksy. But the satirical element feels off. Banksy is not known for poking fun of political leaders from small island nations.

He is, arguably, more famous for his critiques of society in general, such as his depiction of two lovers glancing over each other's shoulders at their phones (which has been reproduced in Tauranga), or his depiction of Steve Jobs as a Syrian refugee (his father was from Syria).

But then, perhaps Banksy's style is simply evolving.