Key facts
- Laura Johnson, former director of housing at RBKC during the Grenfell Tower fire, has left her role at The Barnet Group.
- Johnson was criticized in the Grenfell Tower inquiry for budget-cutting decisions.
- Her new role at Barnet Group paid £157,078 annually.
- The Barnet Group confirmed Johnson is no longer employed by them.
- Criminal investigations into the Grenfell fire are ongoing, with charging decisions expected before June 2027.
Laura Johnson, who was the director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) at the time of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, has left her senior role at The Barnet Group following public backlash. Johnson's role at RBKC was criticized in the subsequent inquiry for her involvement in budget-cutting decisions that preceded the fire, which resulted in the deaths of 72 people.
Johnson was appointed director of development and property at The Barnet Group, which manages 13,000 council homes, on a salary of £157,078. Her appointment was described as "outrageous and disrespectful" by bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
In a letter to Labour MP Joe Powell, the chair of The Barnet Group's board, Eamon McGoldrick, confirmed that Johnson was "no longer employed by The Barnet Group." McGoldrick acknowledged the "depth of feeling surrounding the Grenfell Tower tragedy" and "legitimate public interest concerning governance of senior appointments," but cited confidentiality obligations for not providing specific details about Johnson's departure.
Powell stated that it was "totally inappropriate" for anyone criticized by the inquiry to continue working in housing, especially with criminal investigations ongoing. He welcomed Johnson's departure from the position.
Previously, a Barnet Group spokesperson had defended Johnson's appointment, calling her the "strongest candidate" based on her professional experience and qualifications. The Metropolitan Police have asked prosecutors to consider charges including manslaughter and fraud against 54 individuals and 20 organizations in relation to the Grenfell fire, with charging decisions expected before the 10th anniversary of the disaster on June 14, 2027.