The short version
- Laura Johnson, who oversaw cost-cutting measures at Grenfell Tower before the fatal fire, has left her new role as director of development and property at the Barnet Group.
- Her appointment to the £157,000-a-year position was widely condemned by survivors and bereaved families as disrespectful, prompting a swift reversal by the housing association.
- The departure occurs as prosecutors consider criminal charges against dozens of individuals and organizations connected to the disaster ahead of its tenth anniversary.
Laura Johnson, a former housing director whose tenure at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea coincided with critical budget decisions preceding the Grenfell Tower fire, has exited her recent position at the Barnet Group. The departure follows intense public pressure from survivors and families of those killed in the 2017 blaze, who viewed her appointment to a senior council housing role as an affront to their grief and a disregard for the inquiry’s findings.
Johnson served as the director of housing for RBKC at the time of the disaster that claimed 72 lives. Subsequent investigations highlighted her involvement in financial strategies that prioritized cost reduction over safety standards. Specifically, she advocated for engaging a new contractor to execute renovation works on a reduced budget. This decision resulted in the substitution of metal cladding with combustible plastic-filled panels, a change identified by the inquiry as a significant factor in the fire’s rapid spread and severity.
In August, Johnson was hired by the Barnet Group, an organization responsible for managing approximately 13,000 council homes in the borough. The role of director of development and property carried an annual salary of £157,078. The hiring decision triggered immediate backlash from the Grenfell community. Survivors and bereaved relatives characterized the move as outrageous and disrespectful, arguing that it undermined the accountability measures established by the public inquiry into the tragedy.
The Barnet Group initially defended the selection, stating that Johnson was the strongest candidate in a competitive field. A spokesperson emphasized that the decision was based on her professional experience, qualifications, references, and overall suitability for the position. However, the organization reversed course shortly thereafter. In a letter to Joe Powell, the Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, the company confirmed that Johnson is no longer employed by the group.
Eamon McGoldrick, chair of the Barnet Group board, addressed the controversy in correspondence with Mr. Powell. He acknowledged the profound emotional impact the Grenfell tragedy continues to have on bereaved families, survivors, residents, and the wider community. McGoldrick also recognized the legitimate public interest in the governance of senior appointments within housing associations. Despite this acknowledgment, he cited obligations of confidentiality regarding employees, which prevented him from disclosing specific details about the circumstances leading to Johnson’s termination.
The exact reasons for Johnson’s departure remain unclear due to these confidentiality constraints. It is not specified whether she resigned voluntarily or was dismissed by the organization. The lack of transparency has left some questions unanswered regarding the internal decision-making process at the Barnet Group. Nevertheless, the outcome reflects the intense scrutiny placed on housing leadership following the inquiry’s critical assessment of RBKC’s management practices.
Joe Powell welcomed the development, stating that it is inappropriate for individuals criticized by the inquiry to continue working in housing roles, particularly while criminal investigations remain active. He emphasized that the Grenfell Tower inquiry clearly identified failings within RBKC and among senior individuals involved in housing management. Powell argued that Johnson’s removal from such a position aligns with the need for accountability and respect for those affected by the disaster.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings related to the fire. The Metropolitan Police has requested that prosecutors consider charges, including manslaughter and fraud, against 54 individuals and 20 companies or organizations. These potential charges relate to various aspects of the building’s management and maintenance prior to the blaze. The Crown Prosecution Service has indicated that final charging decisions will be made before June 14, 2027, marking the tenth anniversary of the tragedy.
The case underscores the enduring sensitivity surrounding Grenfell-related appointments and the high standards expected of housing providers in the wake of the inquiry. While the Barnet Group has moved to distance itself from the controversy by ending Johnson’s employment, the incident highlights the challenges faced by organizations attempting to balance professional merit with community sentiment. The outcome serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of the fire on public trust and institutional accountability.
As the tenth anniversary approaches, attention remains fixed on the legal and social repercussions of the disaster. The departure of Johnson from her role at the Barnet Group is one of several developments reflecting the ongoing reckoning with the failures that led to the loss of life. Stakeholders continue to monitor how housing associations navigate these complex issues, ensuring that lessons from the inquiry are integrated into future governance and operational practices.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Ex-director who oversaw Grenfell cost-cutting leaves council housing role after backlash
