Bill English's final act on one of the most difficult nights of his political career was also among his most visibly touching, from a politician that's worked hard to keep his family out of the limelight.
Instead, as Mr English was winding down a gracious concession speech, for a moment the attention was diverted, when Newstalk ZB's Barry Soper addressed Mr English's wife Mary, who had been standing to the former prime minister's immediate left during his 10 minute speech.
"Dr English, how are you feeling?", asked Soper, as the TV cameras swung to focus on the face of Dr Mary English, a South Island GP.
As Bill smiled at his wife, Soper continued: "It's been a hard road for you as well."
After taking a moment, Dr English replied: "Well, Mr Soper I'm feeling very proud of my husband.
"I'm feeling very proud of my family.
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"And I'm feeling very proud of my party. The National Party," she said, with just a hint of tear.
In a fleeting second she looked at husband Bill, who seized the moment to recognise the rock in his life, which has been his six children and Mary.
"Just the last point, I do just want to thank my family for all their support," a whimsical Mr English reflectively told reporters.
"In particular for all the fun we had on the campaign," as he laughed recalling the campaign, and Mary laughed too.
"It was a great campaign and great to have that opportunity with my own family.
"But particularly for all the New Zealanders who paid so much attention to the campaign.
"And who of course paid such paid a great deal of attention to this decision tonight."
And then, that was that, they turned, along with other senior National figures including Paula Bennett and Steven Joyce, and headed to the privacy of their caucus room to reflect on an unexpected verdict and an uncertain future in opposition.
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