STORY
Laura Johnson, the former Kensington and Chelsea housing director criticised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, has left her senior role at the Barnet Group following objections from bereaved families and survivors. The organisation confirmed she was no longer employed but declined to explain the circumstances, citing confidentiality. Johnson had been appointed permanently as director of development and property earlier this year.
Johnson was director of housing at Kensington and Chelsea Council when the Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people in June 2017. The inquiry found she had pressed for the refurbishment contract to be retendered because of its cost. The contractor subsequently selected replaced metal cladding with combustible panels. The inquiry also criticised her decision to slow the installation of fire door closing mechanisms for financial and practical reasons, despite fire brigade warnings.
Barnet Council had previously defended her appointment, saying a competitive recruitment process identified her as the strongest candidate. It also credited her contribution to improvements recognised by the social housing regulator. Grenfell survivors and bereaved relatives challenged the decision, arguing that the inquiry’s findings made a senior housing appointment inappropriate. The precise reason for Johnson’s departure has not been disclosed.