Jeane Freeman, 1953-2026
by Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney pays tribute to Jeane Freeman:
“Jeane devoted her life to serving the public, and I am shocked and saddened at her death.
“In her long and varied career, Jeane always had people at her heart and had an unrelenting aim to improve people’s lives. Working alongside her as a Minister, I was always struck by her strong belief in the power of compassion and a desire for people to be treated always with dignity fairness, and respect – values she put at the heart of Scotland’s first social security system.
“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.
“I will miss her greatly, and my thoughts and deep condolences are with her partner Susan and wider family, and her many friends.”
Following the passing of former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, former First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said:
“Words can’t even begin to convey how heartbroken I feel that Jeane Freeman has gone.
“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 side.
“Jeane was an outstanding Minister throughout the years she served in government – first in charge of Social Security and then as Health Secretary.
“More than any of that, though, to me Jeane was my friend – one of my best and closest. She was always there with a smile and a laugh, or a shoulder to cry on – whatever was needed. I loved her.
“I last saw Jeane yesterday afternoon and 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.
“Susan was the love of her life. Visiting Jeane in hospital over these last short weeks since her sudden diagnosis, I have been overwhelmed to witness Jeane’s courage, Susan’s strength and the bond of unconditional love between them.
“Jeane, I will miss you so much. Rest easy, my friend.”
Jeane’s partner, Susan Stewart, said:
“Jeane was given an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer on 13 January 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.
“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, not least her latter volunteering at the Beatson Centre taking round the tea trolley, a job she loved.
“But it is the private Jeane – my soul mate and companion – who I will be forever grateful to have had in my life.”