Ex-Communist turned Labour adviser... now rising SNP star
JEANE Freeman’s journey to one of the most important posts in Scottish politics has not been without intrigue.
A former member of the Communist Party who worked alongside a Labour First Minister before taking up the fight for Scottish independence, her appointment as Health Secretary will raise eyebrows – not least because of an incident last year when she was accused of involvement in a botched smear on one of Scotland’s hard-working nurses.
Miss Freeman became embroiled in a row after nurse Claire Austin hit out at First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a live general election debate. Miss Austin was in the BBC audience when she launched an impassioned attack over NHS pay, claiming she had been forced to use food bank. Within seconds rumours began circulating online that she was married to a Tory councillor. The claims later proved to be false.
But the false allegations were briefed to the media by Nationalist MP Joanna Cherry, QC, allegedly encouraged by Miss Freeman.
A conversation between the pair was overheard in the BBC spin room, with claims Miss Freeman urged Miss Cherry to repeat the rumours.
Earlier in the evening, Miss Freeman uploaded a picture of herself and Miss Cherry with the caption: ‘Spin girls ready to always set the record straight when the Tories dodge scrutiny.’ Miss Cherry later apologised.
Miss Freeman’s promotion means she will be overseeing the NHS in Scotland and working closely with the medical profession, including nurses and doctors.
It is the latest stage in a colourful political past. Miss Freeman spent much of the 1970s supporting the Communist cause before quitting in the 1980s after becoming disillusioned, later claiming that ‘it felt indulgent’ as there was little change she could make. She then went on to join Labour, working as a senior special adviser to First Minister Jack McConnell.
Miss Freeman left that role after her partner, Susan Stewart, left her posting to Washington DC as Scotland’s first unofficial ‘ambassador’ to the United States.
She later made headlines after being rehired by the then Scottish Executive at a cost of £5,000 for ten days’ work developing plans for teaching pre-school youngsters.
Miss Freeman said working for Labour led to her support for independence. She became an MSP after winning the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley seat in 2016.
Seen as a rising star within the SNP she was quickly promoted to a junior minister position, finding success as social security minister where she has overseen the introduction of a number of benefits recently devolved to Holyrood.
In 2016 in her role as social security minister, Miss Freeman suggested that the word ‘benefits’ should no longer be used when the Scottish Government gets new social security powers. She said the current language suggested taxpayers were ‘doing something nice’ for those receiving state handouts.
She said: ‘There are some things you can do to effect quite quick cultural change, and part of that is around language and thinking, so there is value in looking at whether or not we don’t simply call these payments, as opposed to benefits or some other word.’
While there may be no surprise in further promotion for Miss Freeman, there were concerns yesterday over her appointment in the health brief.
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: ‘It is surprising that Nicola Sturgeon has appointed the person behind smearing a nurse who had the guts to challenge the First Minister.
‘There are huge challenges in the health portfolio, especially in terms of funding and staffing. We need a Health Secretary that is going to support staff and stand up for patients.’
A colourful political past