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.
Denne historien er fra May 07, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 07, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
STEVE BORTHWICK has been handed the secret of how to shut out tight games by a Springboks team that know how to get the job done.
KEELY KEY TO FUTURE AS £1.2M LOSS MADE
UK ATHLETICS will attempt to cash in on Keely Hodgkinson's rise to superstardom after the governing body confirmed another seven-figure loss in the last financial year.
Couple sue for £36m...over moths
Dream home ravaged by insects’
Elton: My death row meal would be just sweet treats
SIR Elton John has complained of missing forbidden \"chocolate and ice cream\" after ridding his diet of sweet things to slash his blood sugar levels.
I taught Eddie the way of the Jackal...
AN ex-Para surveillance specialist has detailed the spy's tricks he taught Eddie Redmayne for his Day of the Jackal role, including how to use a phone as a weapon.
Kate's carol service will highlight 'how we need each other'
THE Princess of Wales will deliver a poignant message on how much we need each other, especially in our most difficult times, at her annual Christmas carol concert.
Starmer seeks good Trump relationship’
SIR Keir Starmer has said he was not surprised to get on well with Donald Trump despite fears about how the pair will work together.
Gary Lineker pockets £30m of licence fee payers' money
GARY Lineker will have cost licence fee payers more than £30million during his 26-year BBC career, analysis has suggested.
Fears law to jail memoria vandals could be ditched
LABOUR has been urged not to water down plans to jail yobs who climb on war memorials and fine them £1,000.
Streeting to erack down on failing NHS trusts
HOSPITALS will be ranked in league tables and failing managers axed under plans to crack down on poor NHS performance.