The government has praised Southwark Council’s chief executive for her role in the Grenfell Tower recovery operation.
Eleanor Kelly became a key member of a specialist task force that took over from Kensington and Chelsea council bosses, after public outcry against the local council’s response to the fire.
Secretary of state for communities and local government, Sajid Javid, wrote to Ms Kelly: “The Grenfell Tower Tragedy is one of the worst disasters we have faced as a nation for years. Early on, as the scale of the catastrophe was still emerging, it was clear that we needed your expertise and commitment to ensure that those affected by this terrible tragedy received support in their time of utmost need. I wrote to councillor Peter John in July to thank him for releasing you to join the recovery Coordinating Group and I wish to express my gratitude for your service over these past months.
“…I wanted to extend my appreciation to you for the significant contribution you have made. In particular, I am grateful for the leadership you brought to community engagement work and to your personal dedication to the individuals and groups most affected.”