Jeane Freeman, the former Scottish Health Secretary and a key public figure during Scotland’s Covid pandemic response, has died aged 72.
Her partner confirmed she died in hospital after a short illness, following an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer in January.
Freeman became widely known across the UK during the pandemic due to her regular presence at Scottish Government daily briefings.
Her death has sparked tributes across Scottish politics, particularly from senior SNP figures, who described her as dedicated, principled, and deeply committed to public service.
Who was Jeane Freeman, and why was she well-known?
Jeane Freeman was a senior Scottish politician who served as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport from 2018 to 2021.
She was also the MSP for Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley, representing the Ayrshire area between 2016 and 2021.
Freeman built a strong reputation in Scotland for her work in health policy, social justice, and rehabilitation programmes. She began her professional life as a nurse and later worked in several senior roles within public and social services.
Her public profile grew significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she became one of the most recognisable faces in Scottish Government leadership.
What happened to Jeane Freeman?
Freeman’s partner, Susan Stewart, confirmed she received a diagnosis of incurable cancer on 13 January. Stewart said they had only 25 days after the diagnosis before Freeman died in the hospital.
In a statement, Stewart said Freeman faced her illness with courage and continued to show care for others until the end.
“Jeane was given an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer on 13 January, and we only had 25 days thereafter. Days that she faced with enormous courage, care for others, and love for me.”
Stewart also thanked NHS staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for their professionalism and compassion.
Why did Jeane Freeman matter during the COVID pandemic?
Freeman became a central figure during one of the most difficult periods in modern UK public health history.
As Scotland’s health secretary, she helped manage NHS pressure during lockdowns, infection surges, and vaccine rollout planning.
She regularly appeared in daily televised Covid briefings, explaining restrictions and health guidance to the public.
Many Scots remember her as a calm but firm communicator at a time when families faced grief, isolation, and major uncertainty.
Her role in the pandemic also placed her under political scrutiny, as Scotland, like the rest of the UK, later faced questions about planning, hospital capacity, care home protection, and emergency decision-making.
What did Jeane Freeman achieve before politics?
Before entering frontline politics, Freeman spent decades working in the public and charity sectors.
One of her best-known contributions came through her work with Apex Scotland, a social enterprise focused on helping former prisoners rebuild their lives and re-enter employment.
Her work in rehabilitation and justice reform earned her an OBE in 1996.
She also held respected positions in Scottish public institutions, including involvement in boards and oversight organisations linked to justice and public appointments.
This long career gave her credibility beyond party politics, particularly among those working in social care and criminal justice reform.
What inquiries did Jeane Freeman take part in?
Freeman played a key role in major Scottish public inquiries linked to hospital safety and public health.
During her time in office, she ordered a public inquiry into issues surrounding:
- The design and construction of Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- A new children’s hospital project in Edinburgh
After leaving Holyrood in 2021, she later gave evidence to both:
- The UK Covid Inquiry
- The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry
These inquiries remain significant because they affect public trust in NHS infrastructure, patient safety, and how governments respond to emergencies.
How have Scottish leaders reacted to her death?
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney led tributes, describing Freeman as a valued colleague who gave “selfless service” to Scotland, particularly during the pandemic.
“Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland, especially as health secretary during Covid.”
He also praised her work on Scotland’s social security system, saying she helped shape it around dignity and respect.
Tributes have also come from across the Scottish political landscape, reflecting the respect she earned through her work ethic and long-standing commitment to fairness and social justice.
Why do the Scots associate Jeane Freeman with public reassurance?
During the height of Covid restrictions, many Scottish households watched daily briefings to understand whether schools would close, whether travel rules would change, or whether vulnerable relatives could safely receive visitors.
Freeman became a familiar face in these moments. For many, her steady tone offered reassurance during a period of confusion and fear.
While public opinion varied on political decisions, her presence became part of Scotland’s shared pandemic experience, similar to how UK-wide audiences associated certain figures with the national response.
