East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald has criticised Rishi Sunak as he prepares to take over as the new Prime Minister.

The SNP politician spoke out after it was confirmed Mr Sunak will lead the country following last week's decision by Liz Truss to quit Number 10.

Ms Oswald has urged Mr Sunak – who won the Conservative leadership race after Penny Mordaunt dropped out, making him the third Prime Minister in just four months – to hold a General Election.

She told the Barrhead News: “Many people will have felt relieved on hearing Boris Johnson had withdrawn from the race but Rishi Sunak’s words and actions suggest he will be just as bad for Scotland.

“Rishi Sunak was the Chancellor responsible for scrapping the Universal Credit uplift when economists and anti-poverty charities were warning about the escalating cost-of-living crisis.

“During his failed campaign for the Tory leadership a few months ago, a leaked video showed Rishi Sunak boasting about diverting money away from deprived urban areas.

“It’s vital opposition parties work together to force a vote of no confidence and apply as much pressure on the Tories as possible to call a General Election, so the voters can give their verdict.”