Grenfell inquiry chief ’s impartiality questioned

The impartiality of the head of a government safety panel set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire has been called into question after it emerged he helped certify building materials similar to those at the block.

Sir Ken Knight, the former chief fire officer, has been a director of Warrington Certification since 2004, The Times revealed. He signed dozens of fire safety certificates for manufacturers, including Reynobond FR, a slightly more fire-resistant version of the cladding used on Grenfell, on behalf of the company.

Sir Ken said his role was unpaid and to approve the certification process rather than specific products.