Laura Johnson, who was the director of housing for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea during the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, has been appointed as the permanent director of development and property at The Barnet Group, which manages approximately 13,000 council homes in the London Borough of Barnet. The appointment, with an annual salary of £157,078, follows her interim role at the organisation and has drawn criticism from survivors and families affected by the Grenfell disaster.

The public inquiry into the Grenfell fire found that Johnson advocated for a contractor who renovated the tower within a reduced budget. This decision led to the replacement of previously approved metal cladding with combustible plastic-filled panels, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Additionally, the inquiry revealed that Johnson delayed the installation of self-closing mechanisms on fire doors, citing financial and practical concerns, despite warnings from the London Fire Brigade about the risks posed to escape routes without these features.

Ed Dafarn, a survivor who escaped from the 16th floor of Grenfell Tower after raising multiple warnings about fire hazards, described the decision to appoint Johnson as “absolutely outrageous.” He expressed that the move was disrespectful to survivors and bereaved families still awaiting justice, and said the appointment would cause concern among council tenants in Barnet.

The Barnet Group defended the appointment, stating that Johnson was the strongest candidate following a competitive recruitment process. They acknowledged the inquiry findings were reviewed and considered carefully alongside Johnson’s professional experience, qualifications, references, and subsequent performance.

Grenfell United, a group representing survivors and bereaved relatives, has called on The Barnet Group to reconsider Johnson’s appointment. The organisation criticised the decision as demonstrating “a staggering disregard for the inquiry’s findings,” particularly as criminal investigations into the fire are ongoing. The Metropolitan Police have reported that they are pursuing charges against 57 individuals and 20 companies connected to the incident, with the Crown Prosecution Service expected to announce decisions on prosecutions by June 2027. Grenfell United highlighted that the appointment occurred before the conclusion of the criminal justice process, which remains unresolved.

A spokesperson for The Barnet Group reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of residents and extended their sympathies to those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.