Jeane Freeman, the former Scottish health secretary and a central figure in Scotland’s battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, has died aged 72, just 25 days after receiving an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer. Her passing, announced by her family on Saturday, February 7, 2026, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum and beyond, reflecting the deep mark she left on public life in Scotland.
Born in Ayr in September 1953, Freeman’s journey into public service began with her training as a nurse, followed by studies in sociology and politics at Glasgow College of Technology. Early on, she demonstrated a commitment to social justice, becoming the first woman chair of the National Union of Students in Scotland in 1979. Her drive to improve lives was evident as she established Apex Scotland in 1987, a pioneering social enterprise focused on rehabilitating ex-offenders and helping them reintegrate into society. For this work, she was awarded an OBE in 1996, a recognition that would be echoed throughout her career.
Freeman’s public service extended to roles on the Parole Board for Scotland, the Scottish Police Services Authority Board, and the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland. She chaired the board of the Golden Jubilee Foundation and was a member and later chair of the National Waiting Times Centre Board. Her expertise and dedication led her to senior civil service positions after the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and she served as a special adviser to then First Minister Jack McConnell in 2001. According to BBC News, McConnell described her as “one of the most formidable public figures of her generation,” recalling her as “ferociously clever, fired by a strong sense of justice and an enduring commitment to public service.”
Freeman’s political journey took a decisive turn during the 2014 independence referendum, when she played a leading role in the Women for Independence campaign. Joining the Scottish National Party (SNP) soon after, she was elected as MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley in 2016. Nicola Sturgeon, then First Minister, immediately brought her into government as minister for social security. There, Freeman was instrumental in designing Scotland’s first devolved social security system—placing dignity, fairness, and respect at its core.
Her tenure as cabinet secretary for health and sport from 2018 to 2021 thrust her into the national spotlight. As the Covid-19 pandemic swept across Scotland, Freeman became a familiar face at daily government briefings, calmly guiding the public through unprecedented uncertainty. As STV News reported, 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, working tirelessly and acting throughout with honesty and selflessness,” in the words of current First Minister John Swinney.
Freeman’s leadership during the pandemic drew praise from all quarters. Nicola Sturgeon, who worked closely with her throughout the crisis, said, “As health secretary during Covid, she helped steer Scotland through the toughest of times. As well as bearing her own heavy responsibilities during that time, she helped me bear mine. I’m not sure I could have got through it without her by my side.” Sturgeon went on to call Freeman “an outstanding minister” and, more personally, “one of my best and closest” friends. She recalled visiting Freeman in hospital the day before her death, noting, “Though it was clear she didn’t have long left, she still wanted to know how I was and how I was feeling about leaving parliament soon. That was the measure of the woman.”
Freeman’s impact reached beyond the pandemic. She ordered public inquiries into the construction and maintenance of Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and a new children’s hospital in Edinburgh, demonstrating her commitment to accountability and patient safety. After retiring from politics in 2021, she continued to serve the public by giving evidence at the UK Covid Inquiry and the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry. She also took up part-time academic roles at Glasgow and Queen Margaret Universities, the latter recognizing her as an honorary professor. Her volunteer work at the Beatson Cancer Centre, where she delighted in taking the tea trolley around to patients, was a testament to her enduring compassion.
Her partner of over 25 years, Susan Stewart, shared heartfelt words in the days following Freeman’s passing. “Jeane was given an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer on January 13, and we only had 25 days thereafter. Days which she faced with enormous courage, care for others and love for me,” Stewart said. “I wish to thank all the staff in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital whose professional skill, care and sensitivity were exceptional. We were both very grateful and also for the outpouring of love and concern from so many, across politics and beyond. Be kind to each other, that is what changes the world.” Stewart added, “But it is the private Jeane – my soul mate and companion – who I will be forever grateful to have had in my life. She was my biggest supporter – constantly encouraging – and also fun, feisty and argumentative! My life has been the better for her love. And I will miss her terribly.”
Political leaders across Scotland united in their tributes. John Swinney described her as “an outstanding cabinet colleague and a selfless servant of the people of Scotland,” emphasizing her “strong belief in the power of compassion and a desire for people to be treated always with dignity, fairness, and respect.” Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar remarked, “Jeane dedicated her life to making Scotland a better place and she will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with her family, friends and all those who knew her.” Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay added, “Tragic and sudden death from cancer of the former health secretary Jeane Freeman. Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”
Freeman’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Scotland’s public life. She was a formidable negotiator, a tireless advocate for social justice, and a compassionate presence in the corridors of power and at the bedsides of patients. As Matt McLaughlin, head of health at UNISON Scotland, put it, “Jeane had a formidable understanding of the NHS and steered Scotland through the tough Covid months. She was a tough negotiator but always wanted the best for NHS staff.”
In her final years, Freeman remained dedicated to public service, volunteering and mentoring, never losing sight of the values that had guided her entire life. Her story is one of resilience, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of fairness—qualities that inspired colleagues, comforted friends, and improved countless lives across Scotland. Her passing leaves a profound void, but her influence endures in the systems she helped build and the people she touched.
Jeane Freeman’s life was a testament to the power of compassion and conviction in public service. Her memory will be cherished by those who knew her and by the nation she served with unwavering dedication.