Rt Hon Major John Freeman, MBE (19 February 1915— ) was a British Labour Party politician, television figure, bowls commentator and diplomat.

During World War II, Freeman saw active service in the Middle East, North Africa, Italy and North West Europe and was commissioned in the Rifle Brigade in 1940. He was awarded the MBE in 1943. Upon his return, he was selected as Labour candidate for Watford and was elected in the 1945 election victory.

Freeman was a protégé of Hugh Dalton, on the left-wing, Bevanite wing of the Party. He rose quickly through the ministerial ranks, but resigned along with Bevan and Harold Wilson in 1951 over National Health Service charges. He decided to stand down as an MP in the 1955 general election.

Freeman established himself as a political journalist and was editor of the New Statesman from 1961 to 1965. He also presented the political interview programme, Face to Face and Panorama.

When Harold Wilson became prime minister, he appointed Freeman to be British High Commissioner in India (1965-68) then British Ambassador in Washington D.C. (1969-71). Freeman joined the Privy Council in 1966.

Freeman was appointed Chairman of London Weekend Television Ltd in 1971, serving until his retirement in 1984. He was director of several other companies in this period and President of ITN. After retirement he commentated on bowls for Granada Television.

External links

• Entry in the Dictionary of Labour Biography