Laura Johnson leaves Barnet Group role after Grenfell backlash

Laura Johnson, who previously served as director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), has left her position as director of development and property at Barnet Group. The move follows criticism from survivors and bereaved families of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Johnson was in her role at RBKC at the time of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, which resulted in 72 fatalities. The subsequent Grenfell Tower inquiry identified her involvement in budget-cutting decisions prior to the blaze. Evidence presented indicated she had advocated for a new contractor to undertake the tower's renovation works at a reduced cost. This decision ultimately led to the substitution of combustible plastic-filled panels for metal cladding as a cost-saving measure.

Appointment and Criticism

In August, Johnson was appointed to the director of development and property role at Barnet Group, which manages approximately 13,000 council homes across the borough. Her salary for this position was reported as £157,078 per year. Bereaved families and survivors described her appointment as "outrageous and disrespectful."

Joe Powell, the Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, received a letter from Barnet Group confirming Johnson was "no longer employed by The Barnet Group". Eamon McGoldrick, the chair of the board, stated in the letter that the company recognised the "depth of feeling surrounding the Grenfell Tower tragedy" and acknowledged "legitimate public interest concerning governance of senior appointments." He cited obligations of confidentiality regarding employee details, meaning specific reasons for Johnson's departure were not disclosed.

Mr Powell commented that it was "totally inappropriate for any individual criticised by the inquiry to continue to work in housing, particularly while criminal investigations are ongoing." He added that it was "right that Laura Johnson is no longer in such a position" and referenced the inquiry's findings regarding failings at RBKC and by senior individuals involved in housing management.

Prior to her departure, a Barnet Group spokesperson had defended Johnson's appointment, stating she was the "strongest candidate" from a competitive selection process. The spokesperson indicated that her "professional experience, subsequent performance, references, qualifications and overall suitability for the role" had been thoroughly considered.

Ongoing Investigations

The Metropolitan police confirmed last month that they had requested prosecutors to consider charges, including manslaughter and fraud, against 54 individuals and 20 companies and organisations in connection with the Grenfell fire. The Crown Prosecution Service has indicated that charging decisions are expected to be made before the 10th anniversary of the disaster on 14 June 2027.