Overview
- Her family confirmed she died from cancer at 72, with a statement issued through the Press Association.
- Partner Susan Stewart said an incurable cancer diagnosed on January 13 left them just 25 days together.
- Freeman served as SNP MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley from 2016 to 2021 and was health secretary from 2018 to 2021.
- She became a public face of Scotland’s Covid response and later gave evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry and the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
- Tributes praised a career devoted to public service, with First Minister John Swinney and former first minister Nicola Sturgeon describing her leadership and compassion.