In the end, it came down to the helicopter.

The mode of transportation that led to Bronwyn Bishop's downfall also led - perhaps inevitably - to digitally-altered pictures of the former Speaker standing on the steps of a helicopter doing the iconic Richard Nixon salute.

Mrs Bishop announced on Sunday she would be stepping down from the Speaker's chair after weeks of coverage surrounding her seemingly extravagant use of travel entitlements.

In an abrupt press conference called by Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Sunday afternoon, she was officially sent on her way. She had done her duty for the country, he said, in stepping down.

But the official line was never going to satisfy social media.

Within minutes of the announcement, she was boarding a helicopter through the power of Photoshop.

By some, her farewell was imagined from a familiar vantage point: the air.

But perhaps the most mesmerising goodbye was from Clive Palmer, who released a video that wished the Speaker adieu four days before she actually stepped down.

The video inspired its own social media reactions.

#Choppergate may be dead but it lives on in our hearts.Image inspired by this classic Clive Palmer moment: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iX1A0UfEcdUImage credit: Heather#auspol #BronwynBishop Posted by The Simpsons against the Liberals on  Sunday, 2 August 2015

While Mrs Bishop's departure offered a chance to poke fun, for some it signalled the end of an era - and inspired only sadness.

It is not yet known who will replace the Member for Mackellar.

Fairfax Media