New Kensington Council leader 'truly sorry' for Grenfell disaster

The new leader of Kensington Council has spoken out about the Grenfell disaster and pledged to “heal the wounds” in the community.

Elizabeth Campbell was nominated to be leader by Kensington Conservatives to take over from Nicholas Paget-Brown, who resigned on Friday, and lead the embattled Kensington and Chelsea Council.

In her first public statement she said she was “truly sorry” for the devastating fire at the tower block, which has so far claimed the lives of 80 people.

She told reporters: ”The first thing I want to do is I want to apologise. This is our community and we have failed it when people needed us the most.

“So, no buts, no ifs, no excuses – I am truly sorry.”

She continued: “As new leader, I will appoint a new cabinet tomorrow and things are going to change.

MORE: 149 high rises have failed safety tests post-Grenfell, government confirms
MORE: Grenfell Tower cladding was changed to save cash, reports claim

“The first thing I’m going to do is to reach out to our community so we can begin to heal the wounds, and the second thing I am going to do is to phone up Sajid Javid, as Secretary of State (for Communities and Local Government), and ask for more help.

“I don’t know at this stage what that help will be like, what the plan will be, but I know that the thing we need is a plan for the community in North Kensington and that is what I’m going to do.”

Ms Campbell was elected to the council in 2001 and has represented the Royal Hospital ward since 2006, according to the Kensington, Chelsea and Fulham Conservative Association website.

The married mother of four served as the council’s cabinet member for family and children’s services for four years and was previously cabinet member for education and libraries.

Sue Caro, a co-ordinator of the Justice 4 Grenfell group that represents survivors, attacked the decision to install her as leader of the council.

She said: “I know that she has a track record that’s not considered to be particularly good.

“I know that she was a cabinet member already – it’s completely unacceptable. It’s like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

“They have shown they are not fit to run a council or deliver the services that are needed and I don’t really think it matters who is the leader.”

Robert Atkinson, who leads the Labour opposition group, added: “I will give her a couple of days.

“I have questions for her, particularly around what her housing policy is going to be.

“We will see if she’s able to engage and try and win the confidence of the people of North Kensington – that’s going to be a tall order.”

Top pic: PA