SCOTLAND’S Health Secretary has revealed that the “toxic” online culture aimed at women affected her family and played a role in her decision to quit politics.

Jeane Freeman, 67, announced last night that she would step down at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.

The MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said she will not miss the personal attacks she has faced on social media, which often relate to her being a woman or her age.

READ MORE: Jeane Freeman to stand down at 2021 Holyrood election

She told the Daily Record: “I think some of what happens in social media is particularly toxic. I think only women politicians are subject to comments about how they look, how they dress and what size they are.

“If you are clear in what you want to do, that means you are bossy or nippy, all sorts of adjectives that are never applied to men.

"It is deeply sad that it hasn’t changed much in 40-odd years I have been in politics.

“It gets to me at times but the worst part is the impact on my family. Most the attacks on me are around the fact I am old, which I don’t think I am, and consequently, how I look. It is hurtful.

“No one wants that and it’s from people you have never met or will meet, who would never say it to your face.”

Freeman added that she is concerned a young woman could be put off working in politics because of the sexist attacks on female politicians.

She said: “We must say it will not be tolerated.

“We have come a long way in terms of feminism and equality but we are not there yet.”

Sharing the article online, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "No doubt @JeaneF1MSP will be a loss to @ScotParl - tho she continues for now to be a dedicated Health Sec.

"But everyone who wants to encourage a new generation of women into front line politics should pay heed to her comments about a toxic, often misogynistic, online culture."