Ex-Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman dies aged 72 after cancer battle
Former Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman has died at the age of 72 after a battle with cancer, her family announced.
A leading figure in Scottish politics, Ms Freeman served as cabinet secretary for health and sport from 2018 to 2021 and was also a Scottish National Party MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley from 2016 to 2021.
Her partner Susan Stewart shared a touching statement with the Press Association revealing the rapid progression of Ms Freeman’s final illness.
“Jeane was unexpectedly diagnosed with incurable cancer on January 13th and we only had 25 days from then,” Ms Stewart said. “Days of facing tremendous courage, caring for others, and loving me.”
Ms. Stewart expressed her deep gratitude for the attention shown. “I would like to thank all the staff at QEUH (Queen Elizabeth University Hospital) whose professional skills, care and sensitivity have been outstanding.
“We were both so grateful, but also for the love and care shown by so many people in politics and beyond. Be kind to each other, that’s what changes the world.”
Ms Stewart added of their long-standing partnership: “Jeane and I were partners for over 25 years and I admired and supported her professional and public life. I am immensely proud of her, particularly her volunteering around the tea cart at the Beatson Centre, a job she loved.”
He concluded with a deeply personal tribute: “But this is the special Jeane – my soul mate and companion – who I will be forever grateful to have in my life.
“She was my biggest supporter; constantly encouraging and also fun, feisty, and argumentative! My life was made better because of her love. And I will miss her so much.”
Ms Freeman’s distinguished career began with the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, where she was appointed a senior civil servant.
In 2001 he became a special adviser to then-first minister Jack McConnell. She joined the SNP after playing a leading role in the Women for Independence campaign during the 2014 referendum.
She was elected as an MSP in 2016 and was later appointed social security minister by Nicola Sturgeon, where she was instrumental in creating a new social security service for Scotland.
His tenure as cabinet secretary for health and sport from 2018 saw him lead Scotland’s health response to the Covid pandemic before his retirement in 2021.
