Ex-Lewisham council chief who took up Kensington & Chelsea role after the Grenfell tragedy resigns

A former chief executive of Lewisham who took up the same post in Kensington & Chelsea after the Grenfell tragedy, has resigned.

Barry Quirk announced he is stepping down from the role after five years of service on Wednesday, January 25.

The council chief, who took up the role weeks after the Grenfell Fire tragedy, described the role as the “most humbling and professional challenge” of his career.

In a letter to council leader Elizabeth Campbell, he wrote: “Leading the Council’s overall efforts in the response and recovery to the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy has been the most humbling and difficult professional challenge of my 45-year career in London local government.

“I remain in awe of the dignity, humanity and positivity of the bereaved, survivors and residents affected.

“There is so much more we need to do to support each of them along their personal routes to recovery.”

Mr Quirk was previously chief executive of Lewisham council – amid turmoil over the attempt to force Millwall to sign over land to the town hall – before taking over Kensington and Chelsea council (RBKC) to help stabilise things following the tragic fire that killed 72 people.

The letter added: “It has been an honour to work with such a talented and dedicated team of staff.

“Since I joined in 2017, I have found that all of our staff possess an inner drive to provide ever better services to the communities that we serve.

“You all have a strong appetite for change and improvement, and you have shown real adaptability in the face of new challenges.

“I have learnt an enormous amount from all of you, and over the next few months I hope to have the opportunity of thanking you individually as well as in your service teams.”