Shorten stands by Gillard as leader Labor powerbroker Bill Shorten has not switched support to Kevin Rudd. A spokesman for the minister told AAP on Wednesday: "The minister's position has not changed and he will not be adding to the media speculation on this matter." It's being reported a special caucus meeting could be held at 9am on Thursday - triggered by a petition being circulated by MPs - to enable Mr Rudd to challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard for the leadership. Mr Shorten was crucial to Ms Gillard gaining the leadership in June 2010. A fellow former Australian Workers Union official and key Right faction member, Senator Matt Thistlethwaite, said he had not seen the petition and would not sign it if asked. "I'm behind the prime minister," Senator Thistlethwaite told Sky News. Asked what message he had for pro-Rudd MPs circulating the petition, he said: "I say get on with the job, let's get back to talking about policy."