He reacted after the party confirmed he was the only candidate to succeed Humza Yousaf, who announced one week ago he was stepping down as SNP leader and Scottish First Minister.
Mr Swinney, 60, is now expected to become Scotland's seventh first minister but must first win the backing of MSPs in a vote at Holyrood.
That ballot could take place on Wednesday, with Mr Swinney likely to be officially in place in the top job in Scottish politics the next day.
He posted: "I will give all that I have to serve my party and my country." In his first speech as the new SNP leader, he added: "I will always seek, with respect and courtesy, to persuade people of the case for independence.
"All I ask of those who oppose that vision is they also act with the same courtesy and respect.
"That means independence is not a reason for them to refuse to work with us to build the economy, support jobs and improve the health service.
This story is from the May 07, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 07, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PEP'S MAD FOUR IT
PEP GUARDIOLA admitted it felt \"insane\" to lead Manchester City to an historic fourth top-flight title in a row.
Klopp feels the love as Anfield says 'Danke'
JURGEN GETS A BIG SEND-OFF IN FINAL GAME
Lando closing the gap to Verstappen
NORRIS TAKES CHAMP TO THE MAX AGAIN
WORLD BEATER
Undisputed king Usyk defies the odds
Tired Scottie in late surge
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER'S unforgettable US PGA finished with a 65 and a huge ovation walking off the final green.
MPs accuse Bank of 'incompetence'
TORY MPs are demanding a review of the Bank of England's independence, accusing it of costing taxpayers thousands of pounds.
Danger cyclists ride roughshod over curbs
CYCLISTS are still flouting road rules in the face of a major clampdown on riders putting people's lives at risk.
Loser Fury blames war sympathy
BOXING superstar Tyson Fury blamed the war in Ukraine yesterday after suffering his first ever defeat in the biggest fight of his career.
Hole lot of problems on the nation's roads
WE WENT to the seaside in Kent last week.
It's Miller time for Sienna and daughter, 11
SIENNA Miller shared the red carpet with daughter Marlowe Sturridge for the first time yesterday at the Cannes Film Festival.
