US teenage mayor takes office

Christopher Portman wants to run for president

A 19-year-old high school student has been sworn in as the youngest-ever mayor of a town in Pennsylvania in the United States.

Christopher Portman, who still lives at home with his parents, took office in the borough of Mercer after winning the Republican primaries last year.

I look at this position as being more the goodwill ambassador of this town

Christopher Portman

Although he will have limited duties, Mr Portman will be able to cast the deciding vote at council meetings and oversee the police force.

He takes over from the town's outgoing 78-year-old mayor.

Mr Portman declared his intention to stand last March - to the amusement of his classmates - and defeated a 55-year-old council member and another 19-year-old Republican rival last November.

With no Democratic competition, Mr Portman's victory was assured.

"I'm thrilled and ready to take on this job", said the teenager, whose previous highest position of responsibility was class vice president.

Plans

Mr Portman has already got down to business.

Other young leaders

Dr Mario Frick - Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, aged 28, in 1993

Queen Rania of Jordan, aged 28, in 1999

Lt Yahya Jammeh - President of The Gambia, aged 29, in 1996

He said he wants to start a private group to raise money to regenerate the 2,400-strong community and preserve Mercer's Victorian setting.

"I look at this position as being more the goodwill ambassador of this town," he said.

Mr Portman will earn $1,875 a year in the job, which will help support his studies in broadcast journalism and political science.

His victory in Mercer has fuelled greater political ambitions, with Mr Portman saying he would next like to stand for the state legislature, followed by Congress and, ultimately, the White House.

Outgoing mayor John "Jerry" Johnson, said he was delighted Mr Portman was replacing him.

"I'm so thrilled that Chris ran, and he's a wonderful person - a good young man from a wonderful family.

"I held the Bible for him... was glad to".