East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald has called for a general election following the resignation of Liz Truss.

The SNP politician spoke out as a number of Conservative MPs consider making bids to succeed Ms Truss as Prime Minister.

Ms Oswald told the Barrhead News: “It was inevitable Liz Truss would have to go after the damage she has inflicted but merely swapping leaders is not enough.

“A general election is now a democratic imperative. The UK is in a state of constant crisis and long-term decline.

“The Labour party are a pale imitation of the Tories, with their support for Brexit that continues to inflict damage on our economy.

“Independence is the only way to ensure Scotland never gets a Tory government we don’t vote for.”

Ms Truss resigned yesterday just six weeks into the job, making her tumultuous premiership the shortest in British history.

Candidates hoping to replace her have until 2pm on Monday to find 100 backers.

If three reach the threshold, MPs will knock one out in a ballot on the same day.

MPs would then hold an 'indicative' ballot of the final two, with the winner being decided in an online vote of party members to finish on Friday, October 28.

Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt are seen as likely contenders, with some MPs throwing their weight behind former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who announced his resignation in July following a revolt by many in his own party.

Labour MSP Neil Bibby, who represents East Renfrewshire as part of his West Scotland remit, insists that whoever moves into Number 10 will do little to help those who are struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

He said: "Liz Truss was not fit to be Prime Minister but the change this country needs cannot and will not come from the same pool of Tories who elected her to that office.

"People are facing the most staggering rise in living costs in a generation and this Tory government are actively making things worse.

"Liz Truss spoke about growing up in Paisley and yet in her very, very short time as Prime Minister did absolutely nothing for our area.

"We've had enough of the Tories, we've had enough of austerity and we're crying out for change."