Not so long ago, some of Mark McGowan's colleagues doubted he had what it took to lead Labor to government in Western Australia.
But the mild-mannered former Navy lawyer has proved there's a superman under his suit with one of the state's biggest and most unexpected election wins, virtually wiping out the Liberal party.
He played a very cautious, long game during the election campaign but he's now ready to show he's just as tough as the man he defeated, Colin Barnett.
Hours after claiming his famous victory, he fronted the media on Sunday promising to be "unrelenting" in his dealings with the federal government, while attacking the Barnett government's "appalling" management of the economy.
He's also indicated he won't be dictated to when it comes to deciding his cabinet team.
And as for his policies? Contractors on the Roe 8 project won't be getting a reprieve. Their deals will be torn up.
He's not promising miracles when it comes to repairing the economy but he's says his team will be thorough and focused on reducing deficit and debt and getting people back to work.
The 49-year-old family man, who spent five years as the state's opposition leader, had been biding his time in the hopes of becoming premier.
He took over from Eric Ripper in January 2012 and had just over a year to impress the WA public with his leadership before the 2013 election but things did not go to plan and Labor lost several seats.
McGowan had a relatively smooth ride over the next few years, until former federal minister Stephen Smith suddenly declared in March 2016 he would challenge for the state leadership.
He claimed party members were concerned a 10 per cent swing needed to prevent the Barnett government winning a third term could not be achieved.
Smith's attempt was short-lived, with the shadow cabinet unanimously backing McGowan, followed by support from the caucus.
McGowan insisted the challenge had galvanised his leadership.
McGowan grew up in regional NSW with his younger brother and parents, who ran small businesses.
He moved to WA with the Royal Australian Navy in 1991, becoming a lieutenant and serving as a legal officer at HMAS Stirling until mid-1996.
He was awarded the Governor General's Commendation for Bravery in 1997 after he rescued an unconscious driver from a burning car two years earlier.
McGowan was the deputy mayor of Rockingham before being elected to state parliament in December 1996.
He was parliamentary secretary to Premier Geoff Gallop from 2001 to 2005 and held several shadow portfolios.
In government, McGowan held portfolios including environment, education and training, racing and gaming and tourism.
His accomplishments include approving the Gorgon Gas project and the FMG iron ore mining project, small bar reforms and negotiating to bring low-cost carrier Jetstar to Perth.
In a rare scandalous moment in 2008, McGowan was linked to twice jailed former premier and lobbyist Brian Burke regarding a campaign fundraising strategy during the 2005 state election.
But attention soon shifted to then-Liberal leader Troy Buswell, who was infamously forced to admit he sniffed the chair of a female colleague in 2005.
McGowan has otherwise appeared to be an uncontroversial and likeable leader.
He met his wife Sarah at the 1993 federal election when she was working part-time for the Electoral Commission. They married in 1996 and went on to have three children - Samuel, Alexander and Amelia.
McGowan said during the election campaign WA had given him everything including his wife and children. And now he's promising to give the state a "fresh start".
WHO IS MARK MCGOWAN?
Age: 49
Electorate: Rockingham, a lower socio-economic area
Education: University of Queensland, studied law and arts
Previous Career: Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy
Family: Wife Sarah and children Samuel, Alexander and Amelia
