Former SNP Health Secretary Jeane Freeman Passes Away at 72
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum following the death of former Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman, who passed away at the age of 72 after a battle with cancer. Ms Freeman served as cabinet secretary for health and sport from 2018 to 2021, a period that encompassed the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.
Political Career and Public Service
Jeane Freeman was the Scottish National Party's MSP for the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency from 2016 until her retirement in 2021. Her political journey began as a special adviser to Labour first minister Jack McConnell before she joined the SNP. She played a significant role in establishing Scotland's first social security system as minister for social security before taking on the health portfolio.
During the Covid-19 crisis, Ms Freeman helped steer Scotland through what has been described as the nation's biggest public health emergency. Her leadership during this period has been widely praised by colleagues and political opponents alike.
Heartfelt Tributes from Political Leaders
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who worked closely with Ms Freeman during the pandemic, expressed profound grief at her passing. "Words can't even begin to convey how heartbroken I feel that Jeane Freeman has gone," Ms Sturgeon said. "As health secretary during Covid, she helped steer Scotland through the toughest of times. More than any of that, though, to me Jeane was my friend - one of my best and closest."
First Minister John Swinney also paid tribute, stating: "Jeane devoted her life to serving the public, and I am shocked and saddened at her death. 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."
Personal Life and Final Days
Ms Freeman's partner of over 25 years, Susan Stewart, released a statement detailing their final weeks together. "Jeane was given an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer on the 13th of January and we only had 25 days thereafter," Ms Stewart said. "Days which she faced with enormous courage, care for others and love for me."
She described Ms Freeman as her "soul mate and companion" and expressed gratitude for the care provided by staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Ms Stewart noted that even in her final days, Ms Freeman continued her volunteer work at the Beatson Centre, where she enjoyed taking round the tea trolley.
Colleagues Remember a Formidable Figure
Former first minister Lord Jack McConnell, who first met Ms Freeman when she was a student leader, described her as "one of the most formidable public figures of her generation." He added: "She was ferociously clever, fired by a strong sense of justice and an enduring commitment to public service."
Current health secretary Neil Gray expressed devastation at the news, calling Ms Freeman "a powerful intellect, a strong advocate & had the most tenacious commitment to social justice." Culture secretary Angus Robertson described her as "a much valued, respected and loved Scottish Government and SNP colleague."
Legacy and Impact
Jeane Freeman's political career spanned multiple roles, from senior civil servant after the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 to her influential position during the Covid-19 response. After taking a leading role in the Women for Independence campaign during the 2014 referendum, she joined the SNP and was elected as an MSP in 2016.
Her work establishing Scotland's social security service and her leadership during the pandemic have left a lasting mark on Scottish public life. Colleagues have emphasized her commitment to compassion, dignity, fairness, and respect in all her ministerial roles.
The outpouring of tributes from across political divides underscores the respect she commanded throughout her career in public service.
