Election 2019: Swinson ‘proud’ to be first female Lib Dem leader
Addressing the audience in central London, Ms Swinson said she was "proud that Liberal Democrats were the unapologetic voice of Remain" in the election and "does not regret trying everything" to avoid Brexit. But she did admit her campaign had failed as she said she was "devastated" her Brexit policy had not worked.
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She said: "I am proud to be the first Lib Dem leader. I have been true to myself as your leader.
"We have been the unapologetic voice of Remain in this election, giving people the choice to have a say on Brexit.
"Obviously that hasn't worked and I am devastated about that."
The former MP said "smashing the glass ceiling" by becoming the party's first female leader had meant "a lot of broken glass comes down on your head".
READ MORE: Swinson's 'Portillo moment': Lib Dem leader joins illustrious list
She alluded to the "experience" of current Lib Dem spokeswomen, including Layla Moran, Christine Jardine, Wera Hobhouse and Sarah Olney as women who could lead the party.
An emotional Ms Swinson said: "I'm proud to be the first woman to lead the Liberal Democrats and I'm even more proud that I will not be the last.
"In Sarah, Wera, Christine and Layla, we have four fantastic and experienced women MPs. And in Daisy Cooper and Munira Wilson and Wendy Chamberlain, we have exciting new talent. They will take the Commons by storm."
The former Lib Dem leader lost her East Dunbartonshire constituency seat to the SNP, but her party ended up with four MPs in Scotland - the same number as it won in 2017 - after it gained North East Fife from the Sturgeon’s party.
Election 2019: Amy Callaghan ‘delighted’ to win Swinson’s seat
President of the Liberal Democrats Sal Brinton has set out the party's timetable for choosing a new leader following Jo Swinson's loss.
But she refused to reveal who she thinks will be most in line to replace Ms Swinson.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Brinton said: "Because my role as President is to remain neutral and I have to do that.
"I am not prepared to go any further on that and my board needs to have the discussion about the timetable. I’m sure the party will welcome our new leader in probably late February, early March as yet the board haven’t decided."
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After losing her seat Ms Swinson said: “It looks likely that Boris Johnson is on course to get a majority, and it has clearly been a good night for the SNP.”
She claimed nationalism was on the rise on both sides of the border and added: “Let me say now that for millions of people in our country these results will bring dread and dismay.”
Holding back tears, Ms Swinson claimed the election result would be received by millions of voters with "dread and dismay" and insisted the Lib Dems would continue to stand for "hope".
She later announced she was quitting as leader of the Lib Dems. The seat saw a 2.1 percent swing to the SNP who had launched a strong campaign against the Lib Dem leader.