Nicola Sturgeon pays emotional tribute to Jeane Freeman following death of former health secretary
Ms Freeman died aged 72 after a short battle with cancer, her family confirmed.
Nicola Sturgeon has paid an emotional tribute to former health secretary Jeane Freeman following the news of her death.
The former first minister released a statement to express her heartbreak at the passing of one of her “best and closest friends”.
Ms Freeman died aged 72 after a short battle with cancer, her family confirmed.
Read more: Former Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman dies aged 72
In her statement, Ms 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.”
Read more: Exclusive:Morgan McSweeney's wife Imogen Walker has spoken least in Commons of Scottish MPs since general election
Ms Sturgeon appointed Ms Freeman as a Scottish government minister, where as minister for social security she established the creation of a new social security service for Scotland.
In 2018 she became cabinet secretary for health and sport and led on Scotland’s health response to the Covid pandemic until her retirement in 2021.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.