Jeane Freeman, Scotland's former health secretary, died Saturday at age 72 after a cancer diagnosis in January. First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to her leadership during the coronavirus pandemic, describing her as a "wise counsellor" who steered Scotland through one of its most challenging periods.
Freeman served as health secretary from 2018 to 2021, a tenure defined by her handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Swinney praised her «deep values of dignity, fairness and respect» and said she «served Scotland incredibly well in so many different areas».
From Civil Service to Frontline Politics
The former nurse built a diverse political career spanning two decades. She joined the civil service when the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive were established in 1999, later becoming special adviser to then-first minister Jack McConnell, where she advanced «really significant reforms».
Freeman took a leading role in Women for Independence during the 2014 referendum. She joined the Scottish National Party in 2016 and was elected as Member of the Scottish Parliament for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, serving until 2021.
Pandemic Leadership Under Pressure
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme, Swinney offered a detailed account of Freeman's contributions during the pandemic. «That period was terrifying for everybody in society, and it was terrifying for government ministers. So we did not know all that would transpire. We didn't know the enormity of what we were dealing with. We didn't know all the twists and turns that we would face. But what Jeane contributed to all of those discussions was a considered, evidenced, thoughtful contribution as to what was the best way to navigate our way through a really unpredictable period. So you were dealing around the Cabinet table with a woman of substantial intellect who brought her wisdom, her life experience, her thoughtfulness, her consideration of evidence to everything that she did, and then that was again underpinned by those values of dignity, fairness and respect that I would attribute to Jean. So I felt as if I was dealing with a wise counsellor throughout that period as we tried to establish what was the best and the most appropriate step to take.»
The First Minister highlighted her «formidable contribution in so many different areas, and particularly in the design of our social security system in Scotland, and also in the handling of the pandemic, and she gave extra levels of personal commitment to all that she did».
A motion of condolence has been lodged at the Scottish Parliament. Swinney said: «I think what's crystal clear from the sentiments that have been expressed by members of all political persuasions, there was a deep, deep appreciation of the substantial contribution that Jeane made to our politics, to governance in Scotland, and especially at an incredibly difficult period through the pandemic I've been struck by just the warmth and the depth of appreciation from across the political spectrum and also across the community.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
