Celebrity faves: David Shearer

David Shearer. Photo / Sarah Ivey

DAVID SHEARER
Labour leader

What is your favourite book?

This would have to be Douglas Bader's Reach for the Sky, the life story of the RAF pilot who lost his legs, became a POW and was eventually knighted for his work in helping others with disabilities.

Why?

It was the first "adult" book that I read. I would probably have been around 10 at the time, and for a young kid it was a hugely exciting read. Here was a guy who was a real war hero - he lost his legs, he was imprisoned in Colditz, he made numerous escape attempts. And after his release he went on to do exactly what he wanted to do. Derring- do and heroism at their best.

How many times have you read it?

Numerous times, as a kid.

What is your favourite movie?

I don't have a favourite movie as such, but one that stands out is The Lives of Others. It's a German film about a Stasi officer during the Cold War who is forced into spying on people, until he discovers, for want of a better word, his humanity. Sadly the lead actor [Ulrich Muhe] has died.

Why?

It's a great film - thought-provoking and compelling - about a man torn between his conscience and ideology.