Former Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman has died at the age of 72 from cancer, just 25 days after receiving an incurable diagnosis. Her death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, with leaders praising her pivotal role in steering Scotland through the Covid-19 pandemic and her lifelong commitment to public service.
Freeman served as cabinet secretary for health and sport from 2018 to 2021, leading Scotland's health response during the darkest days of the pandemic. Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon described her as "an outstanding minister" who helped the country navigate its toughest crisis. Sturgeon said: «As health secretary during Covid, she helped steer Scotland through the toughest of times. As well as bearing her own heavy responsibilities during that time, she helped me bear mine. I'm not sure I could have got through it without her by side.»
Partner's tribute
Freeman's partner of over 25 years, Susan Stewart, revealed the rapid progression of her illness in a statement to the Press Association. She said: «Jeane was given an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer on the 13th of January and we only had 25 days thereafter. Days which she faced with enormous courage, care for others and love for me.»
Stewart thanked staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for their "exceptional" care and reflected on Freeman's character. She said: «But it is the private Jeane – my soul mate and companion – who I will be forever grateful to have had in my life. She was my biggest supporter – constantly encouraging – and also fun, feisty and argumentative! My life has been the better for her love. And I will miss her terribly.»
Political tributes
First Minister John Swinney highlighted Freeman's compassion and dedication. He said: «As Health Secretary during the Covid pandemic, she faced up to the biggest public health crisis Scotland has ever seen and steered a course through an immensely difficult time for our country and our health service, working tirelessly and acting throughout with honesty and selflessness.»
Former first minister Lord Jack McConnell, who first worked with Freeman when she was a special adviser during his tenure, called her "one of the most formidable public figures of her generation". He said: «Scottish public life is poorer without her and I will always miss her.»
Current health secretary Neil Gray wrote on social media: «I'm devastated. Jeane was a powerful intellect, a strong advocate & had the most tenacious commitment to social justice. Her selfless leadership during Covid was remarkable.»
Career in public service
Freeman began her political career as a special adviser to Labour first minister Jack McConnell after the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999. She later joined the SNP and took a leading role in the Women for Independence campaign during the 2014 referendum.
She was elected as MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley in 2016 and served until her retirement from politics in 2021. As minister for social security, she established Scotland's first social security system. After leaving politics, she volunteered at the Beatson Centre, taking round the tea trolley.
Sturgeon reflected on visiting Freeman in hospital in recent weeks. She said: «I last saw Jeane yesterday afternoon and though it was clear she didn't have long left, she still wanted to know how I was and how I was feeling about leaving parliament soon. That was the measure of the woman.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
