Residents of Glasgow have called on new Scottish First Minister John Swinney to focus on the real issues impacting the country, demanding the SNP stop banging on about independence as focus on where their "priorities really need to lie".

Following Humza Yousaf's resignation, Swinney was elected the new leader of the SNP earlier this week and said it was an "extraordinary opportunity to change lives for the better".

Outlining the next steps for Scotland, Swinney has pledged that "the economy, the NHS and other public services" are his priorities for government, as well as "a drive to lift children out of poverty".

Speaking to GB News, Glasgow locals shared their thoughts on Swinney's succession and his plans for the nation.

When asked what they believe should be Swinney's top priorities for Scotland, one voter said the Scottish public "need stability" and a "calmer time for the people", following a tumultuous few weeks in Parliament.

Speaking in praise of Swinney, the local said the new First Minister has "a lot of credit" and has been "a long time in the game".

Another Scottish resident called for the SNP to prioritise the "National Health Service", but revealed which political factor she would not like to see on Swinney's agenda.

She told GB News: "It should probably be the National Health Service, more than independence. I think that's where his priorities really need to lie."

Speaking to another Scottish voter, she outlined the three priorities she would like to see implemented by Swinney.

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She admitted: "We should tackle the population, education and the National Health Service. Get that sorted out if you can."

GB News was also told by a Glasgow resident that a lot of people are "disenfranchised and don't engage with politics" as much as they used to in the past, because they "already feel let down" by government.

When asked if they believe Swinney will be able to secure an independent Scotland, members of the public were unimpressed with the idea of breaking from the union.

One voter simply said: "No, no chance!"

Another local was in agreement, fuming: "I don't believe in an independent Scotland, and we can't be independent if we're going to be part of the EU."

One Glaswegian was on the fence about independence, admitting: "It's quite long in the tooth. It might have been nice, but I suspect Kate Forbes will follow him in a few years time anyway."

When pressed on whether Swinney should be given a chance or call an election, the Scottish public appeared to be in support of their new First Minister.

One man said: "No, don't call an election. I think he needs to be given a wee chance to see if he can put some of the work in."

Another lady said: "He's got a good deputy, and I think she'll be a lot of help to him."