Key facts
- Laura Johnson, who oversaw cost-cutting at Grenfell Tower, has been appointed director of development and property at Barnet Group.
- Barnet Group manages 13,000 council homes for Barnet council.
- The Grenfell inquiry found Johnson pushed for lower-budget renovations, leading to the use of combustible materials.
- Johnson also delayed fire door self-closing mechanisms for financial reasons, despite fire brigade warnings.
- Survivors and bereaved relatives have criticized the appointment as "outrageous" and "disrespectful".
- Barnet Group stated Johnson was the "strongest candidate" after a robust recruitment process.
A senior housing role at Barnet Group has been given to Laura Johnson, who oversaw cost-cutting measures at Grenfell Tower prior to the 2017 fire, a decision that has drawn strong criticism from survivors and bereaved relatives.
Johnson, who was the director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) at the time of the fire, has been appointed permanent director of development and property at the Barnet Group. This organization manages 13,000 council homes for Barnet council.
The Grenfell inquiry had previously found that Johnson advocated for a lower-budget renovation of the tower, which resulted in the use of combustible plastic-filled panels instead of metal cladding. The inquiry also noted her decision to delay the installation of self-closing fire doors for "financial and practical reasons," despite warnings from the London fire brigade about compromised fire escape routes.
Ed Daffarn, a Grenfell survivor, called the appointment "outrageous" and "disrespectful," questioning how individuals involved in senior decision-making at Grenfell could continue in positions of responsibility within the social housing sector. He expressed concern for residents of Barnet council homes.
Johnson had been working in an interim capacity at Barnet Group before her permanent appointment in August, with a salary of £157,078. A spokesperson for Barnet Group defended the decision, stating that Johnson was the "strongest candidate" after a competitive and publicly advertised recruitment process. They confirmed awareness of the Grenfell inquiry findings and stated they were carefully considered, alongside her experience and suitability for the role.
Grenfell United, representing survivors and bereaved families, has urged Barnet Group to reconsider the appointment, citing "a staggering disregard for the inquiry’s findings" and stating Johnson "should not be in a position of power." The group also highlighted that criminal justice processes related to the fire are still ongoing.
The Metropolitan police are seeking charges against 57 individuals and 20 companies in connection with the fire, with the Crown Prosecution Service anticipating decisions by June 2027. Grenfell United noted the extraordinary nature of Barnet council making the appointment permanent before these criminal justice processes conclude.
A spokesperson for Barnet Group stated that the organization and Barnet council would not discuss staff matters from previous employment, reiterating that the safety and wellbeing of residents remain their top priority.