Laura Johnson, former housing manager at Kingston and Chelsea Council, has been appointed as Development and Property Director at Barnet Group. This appointment comes as Johnson held key responsibilities during the Grenfell fire disaster in 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 72 people. Now, with an annual salary of £157,000, she is responsible for managing over 13,000 social homes in North London.
Background of the Grenfell disaster
The Grenfell fire, one of the deadliest residential disasters in British history, occurred on June 14, 2017, and Johnson, as housing manager at Kingston and Chelsea, was scrutinized for implementing cost-cutting measures. These measures included awarding contracts to new companies aimed at reducing costs and using flammable plastic panels. An inquiry concluded that Johnson delayed the installation of self-closing mechanisms on fire doors despite fire service warnings.
Reactions to Johnson's appointment
Social activists have strongly expressed concerns about Johnson's appointment, believing this decision is a sign of not learning from the lessons of the Grenfell disaster. Patrick Hunter, a resident of the high-rise towers in Barnet, said: "When Grenfell happened, it was incredibly shocking and horrifying. Now that I hear one of the architects of that disaster has been appointed in safety and health, it is very distressing, and I am sleepless again."
Joe Delaney, an activist with the Justice for Grenfell group, also stated: "Barnet's excuse for this appointment is that under Johnson's management, Barnet Homes achieved a high rating from the social housing regulator. If there is a reason to show that nothing has been learned from the Grenfell disaster, it is that these ratings are still seen as valuable."
A spokesperson for Barnet Group announced that Johnson was selected as the "strongest candidate" in a competitive field of applicants and emphasized that all findings of the Grenfell inquiry were carefully considered in the hiring process. They also added: "Our thoughts are with the survivors and families of all those affected by the tragic Grenfell fire. The safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority."
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police have announced that they are investigating allegations against 57 individuals and 20 companies related to the Grenfell fire, with decisions on the charges expected to be announced by June 2027.
