Simon Power has been marked out as a rising National Party star since he entered Parliament in the election defeat of 1999.

Standing at 185cm tall and weighing in at about 100kg, the 38-year-old is an imposing presence.

While his square shoulders were once touted as one reason he was leadership material, more importantly he is an eloquent speaker with an ability to connect to a wide range of audiences.

Mr Power has been handed the justice, state owned enterprises, commerce and associate finance portfolios in the new Cabinet, as well as deputy leader of the House.

Power grew up in Manawatu and attended St Peter's College in Palmerston North, but it was at Victoria University where he became involved in politics -- joining the National Party in 1993.

After working as a lawyer in Palmerston North and Auckland he returned home in 1999 to stand in Rangitikei.

He won the seat by a margin of just 289 votes. His majority now stands at more than 11,000 -- a result he puts down to hard work and focusing on results for his constituents.

Speculation around his leadership ambitions have ensured a tight media focus on his actions and performance.

He slipped up in May 2004 when as defence spokesman he said a National-led government would follow its allies the United States, Britain and Australia "wherever, whenever".

He received a rebuke from leader Don Brash and several months later lost the defence portfolio and was made National's senior whip.

Mr Power admitted his comments were "overcooked", but has since redeemed himself, scoring good hits on the Government in his current law and order portfolio.

This year he chaired the Privileges Committee inquiry into the affairs of Winston Peters, earning respect for his handling of a divisive and politically fraught matter.

He has said life outside Parliament, with his wife and family, along with his rural constituents who can "spot a bullshitter from 100m," help keep him grounded.

Of late he has been an energetic justice spokesman, who complained regularly about the level of violent crime, stating it has gone up under Labour.

He said Labour sat back and watched it happen. Now crime and criminals are his problem, and Labour are likely to return fire vigorously.

Political blog website Kiwiblog recently rated Mr Power the National MP of the year "having impressed with his constant highlighting of law and order problems, and also superb chairmanship of the Privileges Committee".