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Jeane Freeman, the former Scottish Health Secretary notable for her role in managing the Covid-19 response, has passed away at the age of 72. According to her partner, Freeman died in hospital following a brief illness. Her career spanned nursing, justice campaigning, and civil service, leading her eventually into politics. Initially a special advisor to Labour’s First Minister Jack McConnell, she later joined the Scottish National Party and was elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).
Freeman served as an MSP from 2016, representing the Ayrshire constituency of Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley until 2021. She assumed the position of Health Secretary in 2018 and remained in that role until she stepped down at the 2021 election. Throughout the Covid pandemic, she was a familiar figure at the Scottish government’s daily media briefings, providing updates and guidance during a critical period.
Born and raised in Ayr, Freeman’s professional life included a significant focus on health and social justice. Before entering parliament, she spent 12 years leading Apex Scotland, a social enterprise dedicated to helping former prisoners secure employment and reintegrate. Recognized for her dedication to rehabilitating offenders, she was awarded an OBE in 1996. Additionally, Freeman held leadership roles including chairing the Golden Jubilee Foundation board and participating on Scotland’s Parole and Judicial Appointments Boards.
During her tenure as Health Secretary, Freeman initiated public inquiries into the development and management of Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Edinburgh’s new children’s hospital. After leaving political office in 2021, she provided testimony at both the UK Covid Inquiry and the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, contributing her experience and insights into these important investigations.
Her partner, Susan Stewart, shared moving reflections on Freeman’s final days, revealing that she was diagnosed with incurable cancer in mid-January and lived for only 25 more days. Stewart praised the exceptional care provided by hospital staff and expressed gratitude for the widespread support received. She spoke warmly of Freeman’s dedication both professionally and personally, recalling in particular her later volunteer work at the Beatson Centre, where she enjoyed serving patients. Stewart described Freeman as her soul mate and companion, underscoring the profound bond they shared over 25 years.
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, expressed his sorrow upon hearing the news, describing Freeman as a “wonderful Cabinet colleague.” He highlighted her selfless service during the pandemic and her commitment to designing Scotland’s social security system around dignity and respect. Swinney praised her deep values of fairness and justice, acknowledging the significant contributions she made throughout her career, and extended his condolences to her partner Susan and all those close to her
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