Grenfell Housing Director Exits £157k Council Role After Backlash 2026

Grenfell housing director Laura Johnson has left her £157,078-a-year role at The Barnet Group following intense backlash from bereaved families and survivors. Johnson, who oversaw cost-cutting at Grenfell Tower before the 2017 fire that killed 72 people, was appointed director of development and property at the Barnet Group in August. Her departure marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability in social housing.

Background: Grenfell Tower and Cost-Cutting Decisions

Johnson served as director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) during the Grenfell Tower renovation. The subsequent inquiry criticised her role in budget-cutting decisions, including pushing for a lower-cost contractor. This led to the substitution of metal cladding with combustible plastic-filled panels to save money, a factor in the tragic fire.

The Barnet Group Appointment and Public Outrage

In August, The Barnet Group, which manages 13,000 council homes, appointed Johnson to a senior role. Bereaved families and survivors described the move as "outrageous and disrespectful." The backlash was swift and widespread, prompting calls for her removal.

Resignation and Official Confirmation

In a letter to Joe Powell, Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, The Barnet Group confirmed Johnson was "no longer employed by The Barnet Group." Board chair Eamon McGoldrick acknowledged the "depth of feeling" surrounding the Grenfell tragedy and the legitimate public interest in the case.

Key Takeaways

• Laura Johnson, former Grenfell housing director, exits £157k Barnet Group role after backlash.
• She was criticised in the Grenfell Inquiry for cost-cutting that led to combustible cladding.
• Bereaved families and survivors called her appointment "outrageous and disrespectful."
• The Barnet Group confirmed her departure, citing public interest.

Comparing Roles and Responsibilities

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