Bilawal Bhutto Zardari takes on Benazir Bhutto's mantle

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his speech Credit: Reuters

It is a political dynasty stained by assassination, execution and accusations of corruption, but today the Bhutto family in Pakistan welcomed its newest leader.

At the age of just 24, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari launched his political career vowing to fight militancy and preserve democracy.

ITV News correspondent Neil Connery reports:

The Bhuttos have been a major force in Pakistan since independence, but earlier generations met violent ends. Bilawal's grandfather was hanged and his mother, former-Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, was gunned down five years ago today.

He is too young to participate in the elections himself, but is likely to be a key asset for the ruling Pakistan People's Party.