Former Grenfell housing director leaves Barnet Group role
Laura Johnson departs Barnet Group after backlash from Grenfell survivors and bereaved families.
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Laura Johnson, who held a senior housing management role at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) at the time of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, is no longer employed by the Barnet Group. Johnson was appointed director of development and property at the Barnet Group in August 2026, a position that came with an annual salary of £157,078.
The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 resulted in 72 fatalities. An inquiry into the disaster identified Johnson's role in pushing for a new contractor to undertake renovation works on a reduced budget. This decision was found to have led to the substitution of combustible plastic-filled panels for safer cladding materials as a cost-saving measure.
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Survivor Backlash
Johnson's appointment to the Barnet Group, which manages 13,000 council homes across the borough, was met with strong opposition from bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell fire. They described the move as "outrageous and disrespectful" given her previous role and the inquiry's findings.
In a letter addressed to Joe Powell, the Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, Eamon McGoldrick, chair of the board at the Barnet Group, confirmed that Johnson was "no longer employed by The Barnet Group". McGoldrick stated that the organisation recognised the "depth of feeling" surrounding the Grenfell tragedy and acknowledged "legitimate public interest concerning governance of senior appointments". He cited obligations of confidentiality to employees as a reason for not providing specific details about Johnson's departure.
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“It’s right that Laura Johnson is no longer in such a position. The Grenfell Tower inquiry was clear about the failings of the RBKC and senior individuals involved in the management of their housing, including the tower.”
Joe Powell, MP
MP Joe 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 the Grenfell Tower inquiry had been explicit about the failings at RBKC and among senior personnel involved in housing management.
Barnet Group's Previous Stance
Prior to Johnson's departure, a Barnet Group spokesperson had defended her appointment, stating in October 2026 that she was the "strongest candidate" following a competitive selection process. The group indicated that her "professional experience, subsequent performance, references, qualifications and overall suitability for the role" had been thoroughly considered.
The Metropolitan Police announced in October 2026 that they had requested prosecutors consider manslaughter and fraud charges against 54 individuals and 20 companies in connection with the Grenfell fire. The Crown Prosecution Service is expected to make charging decisions before June 14, 2027, the 10th anniversary of the disaster.
Questions this report answers
+Why did Laura Johnson leave her role at the Barnet Group?
Laura Johnson departed from her position as director of development and property at the Barnet Group following criticism from Grenfell Tower survivors and bereaved families. Her prior role at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea during the 2017 fire had been scrutinised by the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
+What was Laura Johnson's salary at the Barnet Group?
Laura Johnson was appointed to the role of director of development and property at the Barnet Group in August 2026. Her annual salary for this position was £157,078. She has since left the organisation.
+What was Laura Johnson's connection to the Grenfell Tower fire?
Laura Johnson was the director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea at the time of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire. The subsequent inquiry found she had pushed for cost-cutting measures that contributed to the use of combustible cladding.
Barnet Press News Desk
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