Simon Power leaving parliament

Cabinet Minister Simon Power is retiring from politics in November to return to the private sector.
Prime Minister John Key is saddened by the news and says his departure is a great loss.
The high-flying National MP is minister of justice, commerce, state owned enterprises, associate finance and the minister responsible for the Law Commission, and Deputy Leader of the House.
The 41-year-old's name has frequently featured in future leader predictions but today he announced he was leaving Parliament.
Mr Power, MP for Rangitikei since 1999, said he was looking forward to continuing to contribute to New Zealand's growth, but in the private sector.
``It's time for new challenges and new opportunities,'' he said in a statement.
He did not say what area he was looking at but has in the past worked as a lawyer.
``It's been an exciting and rewarding time and I've achieved a lot, but now I feel it's time to move on to something else.''
He discussed his decision with Mr Key and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, who were supportive of his move.
``I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as the holder of three warrants in this Government, and am not closing the door on future public roles, but it's time for new challenges.''
Mr Key described Mr Power as an ``outstanding minister'' and praised his efforts in Parliament and for his electorate.
``I am saddened that he will be retiring from politics at the election and he will be a great loss to National.
``Mr Power has worked extremely hard and has been completely on top of his many important portfolio responsibilities.''
Mr Key was told of his decision on Sunday night.
``It has come as a complete surprise, as I'm sure it will to most people in the National Party and the Government.
``However, I accept his decision. Mr Power is hugely talented and has been dedicated to his political career. He is a loss to New Zealand politics, but I'm sure that he will continue to make an outstanding contribution to New Zealand in whatever he does next.''
Mr Power, ranked No 4 in National, said he was proud of justice reforms which included police safety orders to combat family violence, a $50 offender levy to fund victim services, initiatives around sexual violence and the protection of children and vulnerable people, and DNA collection to help clear unsolved crime.
``We have also made it harder to get bail, removed parole eligibility for the worst repeat violent offenders, and targeted gangs.''
Other achievements as a minister included commerce reforms and his work to improve performance and disclosure in state-owned enterprises.
Before the end of the year he wanted to see the financial markets authority up and running, changes to liquor laws, simplification of the justice system, progress on the single economic market agenda, and a review of the Securities Act.
``I'm grateful to the Prime Minister for allowing me to stay in my portfolios until the election so I can complete this important work.''
Mr Power said he would support the candidate chosen to replace him.
Mr Power won Rangitikei with a majority of 289 in 1999 and retained it with a majority of 12,042 at the last election.