Jeane Tennent Freeman
Scottish politician and former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport
Jeane Tennent Freeman, a towering figure in Scottish politics and a dedicated public servant, passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 72, following a brief battle with cancer. Her death in Glasgow marks the end of a distinguished career that saw her serve with unwavering commitment, most notably as Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Freeman's legacy is defined by her profound impact on social justice and public health, leaving an indelible mark on the nation she served.
Born in Ayr, Scotland, on September 28, 1953, Jeane Freeman embarked on a path of public service early in her life. Her career began outside elected office, where she demonstrated a keen understanding of societal needs. A significant early achievement was establishing Apex Scotland in 1987, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and employment of offenders, where she served as CEO for over a decade. Her pioneering work in this field earned her an OBE in 1996, recognizing her invaluable contributions to social justice.
Freeman's political journey saw her transition from a respected advisor to an elected representative. She served as a special advisor to Labour First Minister Jack McConnell from 2001 to 2005, gaining crucial experience at the heart of government. Later, after joining the Scottish National Party, she was elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley in May 2016. Her immediate appointment as Minister for Social Security underscored her expertise and commitment to building a fairer society, laying the groundwork for Scotland's distinct social security system.
In June 2018, Jeane Freeman was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, a role in which she would face her greatest test. She led Scotland's health response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, a period demanding immense resilience, strategic foresight, and compassionate leadership. Her calm and authoritative presence during daily briefings provided reassurance to the Scottish public, and her tireless efforts were instrumental in navigating the country through one of its most challenging periods. She retired from her parliamentary and ministerial duties in May 2021, having steered the nation through crisis.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, highlighting her formidable intellect, compassion, and dedication. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described Freeman as among her "best and closest" friends, acknowledging her crucial support during the pandemic. Jeane Freeman's life was a testament to her belief in dignity, fairness, and respect for all, values she championed throughout her distinguished career. She will be remembered as a transformative leader whose unwavering commitment to improving lives profoundly shaped modern Scotland.