He previously served as a List MP for the right-wing ACT New Zealand (Association of Consumers and Taxpayers).
Franks is also a media commentator and writer on legal and commercial topics; and is married with three daughters and a son in their 30s.
Franks was first educated at Taihape College, and then at Victoria where he studied Law (attained qualifications include BA/LLB (Hons) and Dip.
When Prebble announced his retirement from politics in early 2004, Franks was one of the four candidates who sought to take his place as leader of ACT.
His business interests presently centre around his public law practice, several company directorships, farming and manuka honey beekeeping.