Leader of the Labour Party David Shearer is said to be pleased that no one is currently talking about him, and that the focus of the news cycle is on Prime Minister John Key and the GCSB bill instead.
Shearer’s media handlers had been growing concerned over the last several months, as it looked like people may be “starting to learn who David Shearer is,” and were “beginning to take a look at the Labour Party,” two things they say they’d rather no one do right now.
“It got a bit scary for a while there,” said one aide, who wished both he and Shearer to remain anonymous. “Everyone was talking about David, asking him to do interviews on things. He’s really not comfortable doing anything like that; it’s never a good look.”
Aides say that Shearer grew “particularly distressed” during that period, and at times refused to show up for work, fearing that if he did, he would be removed as leader.
Some within the caucus estimate that Shearer may have avoided “two or three” coup attempts by not being available to receive a letter of no confidence.
Shearer, who is not usually known for his expressive nature, reportedly became so frustrated at one point that he tipped over a cup. He then apologised, and awkwardly turned it upright again.
But those days are over now, say aides, and Shearer is “a lot more relaxed.”
“He feels the chances of him staying on as leader are looking significantly better,” said Shearer’s chief of staff, Fran Mold. “No one would want to put him back in the media by challenging him.”