Hendon MP welcomes departure of Grenfell-linked housing boss

Hendon MP David Pinto-Duschinsky has welcomed the departure of Laura Johnson from her position at The Barnet Group. Johnson, who was previously criticised by the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, had been group director of development and property at the council-owned company.

Johnson served as director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea at the time of the 2017 fire, which resulted in 72 fatalities. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry identified a series of decisions made under her leadership prior to the event.

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Concerns over appointment

Mr Pinto-Duschinsky told the Barnet Post that he had written to the chair of The Barnet Group to express his concerns and request a reconsideration of Johnson's appointment. She had initially been appointed on an interim basis in 2024 before taking up the permanent role earlier this year.

Following reports of her exit, Mr Pinto-Duschinsky stated: "It’s right that Laura Johnson has left her position. I wrote to the Chair of the Barnet Group several weeks ago to share my deep concerns over her appointment and to demand they reconsider their decision to appoint her. Someone who was criticised by the Grenfell Inquiry should have never been appointed."

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Calls for accountability

Barnet Green councillor Charli Thompson also welcomed Johnson's departure, having previously described the appointment as "appalling". Councillor Thompson indicated that the matter would still be raised at an upcoming council meeting to discuss accountability.

Councillor Thompson told the Barnet Post: "I welcome the news that Laura Johnson is no longer employed by The Barnet Group, and I want to pay tribute to Grenfell United, the bereaved families, survivors, trade unionists and local residents who have spoken out so powerfully. But while this news is welcome, it raises a fundamental question: why was this appointment made in the first place?"

She added that a question prepared for full Council regarding standards of accountability in appointing individuals to safety-critical roles remains relevant. "The people of Barnet deserve answers, and the families and survivors of Grenfell deserve nothing less than genuine accountability," Councillor Thompson said.

Barnet Group response

A spokesperson for The Barnet Group confirmed that Laura Johnson is no longer employed by the organisation. The spokesperson stated: "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."