SCOTTISH MP Jo Swinson has become the first female leader of the LibDems.

Swinson received almost two-thirds of the votes cast (63.1%) to defeat rival Ed Davey.

The SNP have now called on the new LibDem leader to rule out any future pacts with the Conservatives and "apologise" for cuts made under the previous Lib Dem-Tory coalition.

Swinson received 47,900 votes to Davey's 28,000.

She said she was "delighted, honoured, absolutely over the moon" to become the LibDems' first female leader.

The East Dunbartonshire MP promised to do "whatever it takes to stop Brexit" and promised to lead not only the party but also the "bigger, open liberal movement our country so desperately needs".

In her victory speech, she said: “I stand before you today not as the leader of the LibDems but as a candidate for prime minister.”

Responding to the result of the contest, Mhairi Black pointed to Swinson's worrying record in coalition government with the Tories.

The SNP MP said: "Jo Swinson was one of the most enthusiastic cheerleaders for the Tory coalition government.

"She must move quickly to apologise for the devastating cuts she imposed, and rule out any future Tory pact – if she wants anyone to believe the LibDems have changed their ways.

"People haven't forgotten that it was the LibDems who trebled university tuition fees to £9,000 a year, scrapped the Education Maintenance Allowance, introduced the bedroom tax, imposed the cap on public sector pay, and the damaging cuts to social security for disabled people.

"While the SNP has consistently opposed Tory cuts, the LibDems enabled the worst of them - pushing millions of people into poverty and inequality, and forcing families to rely on food banks and emergency aid to feed their children."

Tom Brake, the Liberal Democrats' Brexit and international trade spokesman, said Swinson will be a "formidable leader".

He tweeted: "Congratulations @joswinson on becoming the new leader of the #LibDems!

"Your grit, business experience, and passion for protecting the British people will make you a formidable leader at a time when the country is in dire need of direction.

"Excited for our work ahead!"

Former LibDem leader Tim Farron tweeted: "Congratulations @joswinson You will be an outstanding leader at just the moment when we need you the most.

"@EdwardJDavey hard luck, you ran a fantastic campaign, I'm very proud of you."