Former Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman Passes Away at 72
Jeane Freeman, the former Scottish health secretary and prominent Scottish National Party figure, has died at the age of 72 following a brief battle with cancer. Her family confirmed the news, revealing she was diagnosed with incurable cancer just last month.
Swift Diagnosis and Final Days
In a poignant statement released through the Press Association, Ms Freeman's partner of over 25 years, Susan Stewart, disclosed the rapid progression of the illness. "Jeane was given an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer on the 13th of January and we only had 25 days thereafter," Ms Stewart revealed. "Days which she faced with enormous courage, care for others and love for me."
Ms Stewart expressed profound gratitude toward the medical staff at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, praising their "professional skill, care and sensitivity" which she described as exceptional. She also thanked the wider community for their outpouring of support, adding the heartfelt message: "Be kind to each other, that is what changes the world."
A Distinguished Political Career
Jeane Freeman's political journey was marked by significant contributions to Scottish public life:
- She began her career as a senior civil servant following the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999
- Served as special adviser to then-First Minister Jack McConnell in 2001
- Played a leading role in the Women for Independence campaign during the 2014 referendum before joining the SNP
- Elected as MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley in 2016
- Appointed Minister for Social Security by Nicola Sturgeon, where she helped create Scotland's new social security service
- Served as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport from 2018 to 2021, leading Scotland's health response during the COVID-19 pandemic
Personal Tributes and Legacy
Ms Stewart shared intimate details of their life together, noting Ms Freeman's post-retirement volunteering at the Beatson Centre where she "loved" taking round the tea trolley. "I am immensely proud of her," Stewart stated, reflecting on their quarter-century partnership.
In a deeply personal tribute, Stewart described Freeman as "my soul mate and companion" who was "fun, feisty and argumentative." She added: "My life has been the better for her love. And I will miss her terribly."
The former health secretary retired from politics in 2021 after completing her term as health secretary, during which she navigated one of the most challenging periods in modern healthcare history. Her legacy includes both her pandemic leadership and her foundational work in establishing Scotland's social security infrastructure.
