Jeane Freeman, the former Scottish health secretary who became a defining figure in Scotland’s response to the Covid pandemic, has died at the age of 72. Her death was confirmed by her family on Saturday, February 7, 2026, just 25 days after an unexpected cancer diagnosis. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum, as friends, colleagues, and former adversaries alike reflected on the remarkable life and career of a woman whose dedication to public service left a lasting mark on Scottish society.
Born in Ayr in September 1953, Freeman’s early life was shaped by a commitment to helping others. She first trained as a nurse before studying sociology and politics at the Glasgow College of Technology. That combination of hands-on compassion and intellectual curiosity would come to define her career. In 1979, she broke new ground as the first woman chair of the National Union of Students in Scotland, already signaling her determination to challenge barriers and advocate for change.
Her professional journey took her through a series of roles that blended social justice with public administration. In 1987, Freeman founded Apex Scotland, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting former offenders and working with employers to foster rehabilitation. This pioneering work earned her an OBE in 1996, a recognition of her commitment to giving marginalized people a second chance. She also served as a member of the Parole Board for Scotland, the Scottish Police Services Authority Board, and as Chair of the Board of the National Waiting Times Centre, demonstrating a breadth of experience in Scotland’s justice and health sectors.
Freeman’s transition into politics was as pragmatic as it was passionate. She was appointed as a senior civil servant with the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and became a special adviser to First Minister Jack McConnell in 2001. Her political journey took a decisive turn during the 2014 independence referendum, when her leadership in the Women for Independence campaign group marked her growing alignment with the Scottish National Party (SNP). She joined the SNP soon after and, in 2016, was elected as the MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley.
It was in government that Freeman’s influence became most widely felt. Appointed by Nicola Sturgeon as minister for social security, she was instrumental in establishing Scotland’s devolved Social Security Service—a system grounded in the principles of dignity, fairness, and respect. Her focus on these values was repeatedly highlighted by her colleagues. As First Minister John Swinney told BBC News, “She designed Scotland’s social security system based on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect and she made an incredible contribution to protecting others through the Covid pandemic.”
In 2018, Freeman was elevated to cabinet secretary for health and sport, just as Scotland was about to face the gravest public health crisis in living memory. As the Covid pandemic swept across the globe, Freeman became a familiar face at the Scottish Government’s daily media briefings, providing clear and compassionate updates in a time of uncertainty. Her leadership during this period was widely praised. According to STV News, Swinney remarked, “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, working tirelessly and acting throughout with honesty and selflessness.”
Nicola Sturgeon, who worked closely with Freeman throughout the pandemic, offered a deeply personal tribute. “Words can’t even begin to convey how heartbroken I feel that Jeane Freeman has gone,” she wrote. “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 described Freeman as “an outstanding minister” and, more importantly, “one of my best and closest” friends, always ready with a smile, a laugh, or a shoulder to cry on.
Freeman’s legacy as a public servant was matched by her reputation for formidable intellect and fierce commitment. Former first minister Jack (now Lord) McConnell, a longtime friend, described her as “one of the most formidable public figures of her generation. She was ferociously clever, fired by a strong sense of justice and an enduring commitment to public service.” He added, “Whatever role she was in, whether as head of Apex, a government adviser or in the cabinet, she gave everything.”
Her impact was felt across party lines. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said, “Jeane dedicated her life to making Scotland a better place and she will be sorely missed.” Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay called her death “tragic and sudden,” while Holyrood’s presiding officer Alison Johnstone praised Freeman’s “commitment to public service,” describing her as “professional, determined and kind.”
Despite her high-profile roles, those closest to Freeman remember her not only for her public achievements but for her warmth and humanity. Her partner, Susan Stewart, shared a moving statement: “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. 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 reflected on their 25 years together, expressing pride in Freeman’s public service but cherishing even more their private 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.”
After stepping down from parliament in 2021, Freeman continued to serve others in quieter ways. She volunteered at the Beatson Cancer Centre, taking the tea trolley around—a role she reportedly loved. She also took on part-time academic positions at Glasgow and Queen Margaret Universities, the latter of which named her an honorary professor. Even in retirement, she remained engaged in public life, giving evidence at both the UK Covid Inquiry and the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, and advocating for transparency and improvement in Scotland’s health system.
Freeman’s story is one of relentless service, compassion, and a refusal to accept the status quo. As Scotland reflects on her legacy, it is clear that her influence will endure—not just in the systems she helped build, but in the countless lives she touched. Her example of courage, empathy, and integrity stands as a testament to the power of public service done right.