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Jeane Freeman, SNP politician and Covid response leader, profiled

Having dedicated her life to public service, the ex-SNP politician took on the health portfolio on the cusp of the worldwide pandemic.

The legacy of Jeane Freeman, who passed away at the age of 72, will be forever tied to the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, during which she played a crucial role in guiding the Scottish government's response alongside then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Jeane Freeman, a woman in her 60s with shoulder length dark brown hair, is wearing an electric blue jacket and is sitting talking against a black background. — Jeane Freeman was Scotland's health secretary during the Covid pandemic

Freeman's tenure as cabinet secretary for health, a position she assumed in 2018, was marked by unprecedented challenges, despite having only entered the Scottish Parliament in 2016 as a member for the Ayrshire seat of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley.

The health department, notorious for its complexity and vast budget, poses significant scrutiny and pressure on its leaders, making it one of the most demanding roles in government.

Unfortunately, Freeman's time in office coincided with the pandemic and ongoing concerns surrounding the safety of two newly built Scottish hospitals, which added to the existing challenges she faced.

Although her time in office was dominated by the pandemic, Freeman's work built upon decades of experience in politics and public service, providing a foundation for her leadership.

Freeman's entry into the Scottish Parliament in 2016, at the age of 62, marked a significant milestone in her career, as she had already established herself as a prominent figure in Scottish politics.

Her transition into political office was a natural progression of her personal and professional journey, which had been shaped by her experiences and values.

Initially a nurse and member of the Communist Party, Freeman later joined the Labour Party in the 1980s and founded Apex Scotland, a charity focused on offender rehabilitation, for which she was awarded an OBE in 1996.

Prior to her election to the Scottish Parliament, Freeman had run unsuccessfully as a Labour candidate in local council elections and was one of several high-profile women who were not selected to stand in the first Scottish Parliament election in 1999.

Following this, Freeman was appointed to a senior role in the civil service, where she worked closely with ministers in the early days of the Scottish Parliament.

In 2001, she became a special advisor to First Minister Jack McConnell, a position that granted her significant influence within the Scottish executive.

During her time as a special advisor, Freeman developed a reputation for her ability to drive policy and implementation across various departments, with one of her notable achievements being the NHS takeover of the Golden Jubilee Hospital.

After leaving her role as special advisor in 2005, Freeman established a public affairs consultancy and served on the boards of several public bodies.

This led to accusations of a "Labour mafia" and earned her the nickname "quango queen" from some critics and sections of the media, although some of these critics would later become her colleagues.

However, her experience working under a Labour first minister had a profound impact on Freeman, as she began to question the limitations of the devolved settlement and eventually came to support Scottish independence.

Malcolm Wright, a man in a dark suit; Jeane Freeman, a woman in a black and white checked coat and Nicola Sturgeon, a woman in an electric blue trouser suit, stand in a row applauding outside a grey stone building (St Andrew's House). — Jeane Freeman (centre) joined Malcolm Wright of NHS Scotland and the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, in applauding NHS workers during the pandemic

Over the course of the next decade, Freeman's perspective on independence evolved, and she became an advocate for this cause, driven by her conviction that it was essential for addressing Scotland's challenges.

In 2014, Freeman co-founded Women for Independence, a group that played a significant role in the independence referendum, reflecting both her long-standing commitment to feminism and her desire to amplify women's voices in the political debate.

This marked a significant turning point in her career, as she later joined the SNP and was selected to stand as a candidate in her native Ayrshire ahead of the 2016 election, under the leadership of Nicola Sturgeon.

Freeman spent her entire tenure at Holyrood in government, first as minister for social security and later, in 2018, as cabinet secretary for health.

In an interview with Holyrood magazine, Freeman acknowledged the immense responsibility that came with her role, stating that the true pressure lay in the fact that she was dealing with people's lives and well-being.

She emphasized that the gravity of this responsibility was not lost on her, recognizing that the decisions she made had a direct impact on individuals and families.

The Covid-19 pandemic, which struck in 2020, presented unprecedented challenges for governments worldwide, as they struggled to contain the spread of the virus, implement lockdown measures, and mitigate the economic impact.

Catherine Calderwood, in black jacket over a red shirt, is sitting at a desk talking. Jeane Freeman, in dark blue jacket with a white shirt, is sitting to her right watching her speak. Freeman is wearing spectacles with thick black plastic frames. — During the pandemic, Freeman (right) appeared in media briefings with chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood as well as Nicola Sturgeon

Throughout this period, Freeman stood alongside Nicola Sturgeon in press conferences, providing updates and guidance to the public, and was present at the launch of the vaccine rollout.

However, the decision to discharge elderly hospital patients to care homes without requiring a negative test result during the early stages of the pandemic would later become a subject of controversy and scrutiny for Freeman.

The subsequent high mortality rates in care homes, where the virus spread rapidly among vulnerable residents, led to a change in guidance on testing, but not before significant harm had been done.

In a 2025 interview with the BBC, Freeman acknowledged the anger and grief of those who had lost loved ones and recognized that the policy had contributed to the deaths, while also defending the decisions made at the time as the best possible under the circumstances.

As health secretary, Freeman had initially aimed to address the issue of waiting times, but the pandemic ultimately derailed this effort.

Another controversy that marred her tenure was the concern over deaths at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, which were potentially linked to problems with the hospital's ventilation and water systems, an issue that had been inherited from Sturgeon's time in the health department.

In response to allegations of a cover-up and repeated calls for her resignation, Freeman established a public inquiry in 2019 to investigate the matter.

In January 2026, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde acknowledged that, on the balance of probabilities, the hospital environment, particularly the water system, had caused some infections, a conclusion that came more than five years after the inquiry was launched.

Freeman's prompt action in 2019, when she postponed the opening of the new Sick Children's Hospital in Edinburgh due to concerns over its ventilation system, potentially prevented a similar crisis from unfolding.

Jeane Freeman, in electric blue jacket and black blouse, is walking purposefully from a car, right to left. She is wearing glasses and looks very serious. A white car can be seen in the background. — Giving evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry in 2024

Although this decision resulted in a two-year delay and additional costs of £40m, it ultimately ensured the safety of patients and staff, as the hospital was able to open without the same issues that had plagued the Glasgow hospital.

The legacy of the pandemic, the hospital infections, and the subsequent public inquiries continued to cast a shadow over Freeman's life after she left office, with her being called to give evidence and speak publicly about her decisions and regrets.

During this time, Freeman also began volunteering at the Beatson cancer unit in Glasgow, where she would take the tea trolley around the wards, a task that brought her joy and fulfillment, according to her partner.

The ongoing hospitals inquiry, which was still a source of controversy at the time of Freeman's death, will ultimately provide a conclusion on these matters.

Freeman was notable for her candor and willingness to acknowledge the mistakes made by her government, as well as the immense pressure they faced, demonstrating a level of introspection and accountability rare in politics.

In an interview with LBC radio, discussing the UK Covid inquiry's findings, Freeman reflected on the complexity of the decisions made during the pandemic, stating that they were never straightforward choices between right and wrong.

She emphasized that she had never claimed to have made perfect decisions, but rather had done her best with the information available at the time.

Freeman's approach was characterized by a commitment to transparency and a willingness to learn from mistakes, as she consistently maintained that she had made the best decisions possible given the circumstances.

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Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event

The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.

A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

An in game screenshot of a video game version of Keanu Reeves as the character John Wick. He is wearing a suit and looking at the camera.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.

A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.

The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.

The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.

Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.

Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.

According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.

The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.

Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.

The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.

Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.

Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.

During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

An in-game screenshot of Silent Hill Townfall. We see the back of a man who is looking at a sign that says "Welcome to St. Amelia". — Konami's trailer for Silent Hill Townfall revealed it is set in St Amelia, a "fictional island inspired by Scotland"

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.

The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.

A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.

Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.

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Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire

Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.

Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.

The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.

According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.

Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.

With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.

The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.

An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.

A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.

Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.

Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.