Brief

Former Grenfell housing chief departs Barnet Homes after backlash

Barnet Homes confirmed the former Grenfell Tower housing chief is no longer employed after families and survivors protested her appointment.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 18:20:47 GMT

Laura Johnson, who served as director of development and property at the Barnet Group, has left her senior role at Barnet Homes, the Standard reported on 13 October 2026.

What happened

Johnson was appointed to the Barnet Group in August 2024 and promoted to the senior position in September 2024, overseeing roughly 14,000 council homes in north London. After intense criticism from Grenfell United and bereaved families, Barnet Homes announced she is “no longer employed by The Barnet Group”.

What the reports add

The Standard noted that Johnson had previously been director of housing for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea during the 2017 Grenfell Tower Inquiry, where she was criticised for supporting budget‑cutting measures that led to the use of combustible plastic‑filled panels instead of metal cladding. The outlet also cited a Barnet Homes statement to the BBC that the organisation could not comment further due to confidentiality obligations.

What was said

Grenfell United called Johnson’s appointment "a scandal" and an "outrage", saying the inquiry’s findings had not prevented her from being entrusted with public safety. The group’s spokesperson added that other officials singled out by the inquiry continue to hold high‑pay positions.

How it came about

Johnson’s earlier role at Kensington and Chelsea placed her at the centre of decisions examined by the Grenfell Tower public inquiry, which has referred the council for possible corporate manslaughter and health‑and‑safety breaches. Her later move to Barnet Homes sparked protests, leading the housing provider to terminate her employment.

Key facts

• Laura Johnson left her director role at Barnet Homes after criticism over her Grenfell Tower record. (standard.co.uk)
• Barnet Homes manages about 14,000 council homes in north London. (standard.co.uk)
• Johnson was director of housing for Kensington and Chelsea during the 2017 Grenfell Tower Inquiry. (standard.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Ex-Grenfell Tower housing chief leaves London homes director role after backlash”