Grenfell inquiry sacks expert architectural witness

The public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower disaster has sacked its expert architectural witness after it emerged he was not a registered architect.

John Priestley, who was appointed on Wednesday to produce a report into the architectural design of the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, was sacked on Friday.

He had been due to examine the choice of materials, compliance with legislation and regulations, and the quality of the workmanship on the building. He was expected to draw up detailed technical evidence that would be relied on by the inquiry during its second stage, starting next spring, looking into the lead-up to the fire on 14 June 2017, which claimed 72 lives.

According to the inquiry, before he was instructed, Priestley told officials he was a UK registered and chartered architect. However, he was last registered with the professional regulator in 2010, the Architects Journal reported. Architects must pay an annual retention fee to remain on the register.

“All expert witnesses instructed by the inquiry are expected to comply with any relevant provisions and professional codes of conduct,” an inquiry spokesperson said.

“Following the receipt of information that Mr Priestley is not currently registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the inquiry has withdrawn his instruction as an expert witness.”

The title “architect” is protected in the UK and can only be used by people registered with the regulator. Anyone found to be breaching these rules faces significant fines. The ARB said it would be taking action on the matter.

Priestley’s LinkedIn profile says he has been providing expert advice in construction disputes since 1985 and has “extensive technical knowledge and experience in all aspects of the building envelope and construction technology, including roofing, external walling, curtain walling and glazing, cladding” and other issues.

Priestley has been approached for comment.