National list MP Hekia Parata's stocks have risen after her success in cutting Labour's majority in the Mana by-election.
Prime Minister John Key says Labour has reason to be worried about Saturday's result and always thought that Ms Parata was Cabinet material.
"She's articulate, she's intelligent, very knowledgable and she cares about the people of Mana," he said.
Mr Key said people will have to wait and see whether Ms Parata is his next appointment as a minister.
