Grenfell housing boss leaves Barnet Group role
Laura Johnson departs The Barnet Group after backlash from Grenfell survivors and local councillors.
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Laura Johnson has left her role as director of development and property at The Barnet Group, a position she held on a permanent basis since this summer. Johnson was previously the director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) at the time of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which resulted in 72 fatalities.
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The public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire had criticised Johnson's actions. Findings indicated she had pushed for contract retendering to achieve "value for money", a decision that ultimately led to the replacement of metal cladding with combustible plastic-filled panels. The inquiry also noted criticism of her role in slowing the installation of self-closing fire doors and not giving sufficient weight to advice from the London Fire Brigade.
Johnson was initially appointed to The Barnet Group on an interim basis in June 2024, before taking up the permanent role this summer. Her appointment, which carried a salary of £157,078, drew strong objections from Grenfell survivors group Grenfell United. The group stated at the time that the continued employment of individuals criticised by the inquiry was "a slap in the face to every survivor and bereaved family."
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Green councillor Charli Thompson also voiced opposition to the appointment, describing it as "appalling". Thompson told the Local Democracy Reporter Service that handing such a senior, highly paid role to someone whose previous decisions had serious consequences, without apparent accountability, was concerning.
The Barnet Group confirmed Johnson's departure in a statement. A spokesperson for the organisation stated: "We can confirm that Laura Johnson is no longer employed by The Barnet Group. In common with any employer, we owe obligations of confidentiality to those working for us, applying for, or being considered for any role at any level. For that reason, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."
The departure was also communicated in a letter from Eamon McGoldrick, chair of The Barnet Group's board, to Joe Powell, the Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater. Powell commented that it was "totally inappropriate" for anyone criticised by the inquiry to continue working in housing, particularly while criminal investigations were ongoing, and stated it was "right that Laura Johnson is no longer in such a position."
Questions this report answers
+Why has Laura Johnson left her role at The Barnet Group?
Laura Johnson has departed her position as director of development and property at The Barnet Group. The organisation confirmed her departure but did not provide specific reasons, citing confidentiality obligations.
+What was Laura Johnson's previous role in relation to the Grenfell Tower fire?
Laura Johnson was the director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea during the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire. The public inquiry into the tragedy criticised her role in demanding contract retendering and slowing fire door installation.
+Who had criticised Laura Johnson's appointment to The Barnet Group?
Grenfell survivors group Grenfell United and Green councillor Charli Thompson had previously criticised Laura Johnson's appointment to The Barnet Group. They expressed concerns about her role in cost-cutting decisions prior to the Grenfell fire.
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