Grenfell inquiry cancels contract with KPMG over 'conflict of interest' with auditor's work for insulation supplier, refurbishment contractor and the local council

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The grenfell tower inquiry has cancelled its contract with auditors KPMG after concerns were raised over potential conflicts of interest.

A statement released on Sunday night said the decision was taken following concerns raised by 'core participants'.

It comes after criticism of the 'big four' accounting firm's involvement with Celotex, the firm which manufactured insulation materials used in Grenfell Tower; the Rydon Group, the principal contractor in the building's 2015 renovation and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the council responsible for the high-rise.

The Grenfell Tower inquiry has cancelled its contract with auditors KPMG after concerns were raised over potential conflicts of interest

A spokesman for the inquiry said KPMG had been appointed to provide 'limited planning and programme management' during its 'start-up phase'.

'The company has had no role in the inquiry's investigations or decision-making processes and its contract contained strict confidentiality clauses to ensure that there could be no conflicts of interest,' a statement said.

'Following concerns expressed by some core participants, the inquiry team has discussed the contract with KPMG which has agreed that its work should now cease.

'The support and confidence of all core participants is integral to the work of the inquiry.'

The decision follows an open letter was sent to Theresa May urging the Prime Minister to reverse the decision to appoint the company.

The signatories of the open letter said they did not speak on behalf of Grenfell Tower victims, but were 'deeply concerned over the obvious conflicts of interest' posed by KPMG's involvement in the inquiry.

The public inquiry into the fire, which killed 71 people, has been dogged by controversy since the appointment of retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick as its chairman.  

The decision comes after criticism of the 'big four' accounting firm's involvement with Celotex, the firm which manufactured insulation materials used in Grenfell Tower; the Rydon Group, the principal contractor in the building's 2015 renovation and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the council responsible for the high-rise

Survivors and bereaved families have lobbied for an overhaul of the inquiry's shape due to lingering doubts about his suitability for the role.

Sir Martin was branded 'disrespectful' after refusing to take questions at the first hearing.

Survivors of Britain's worst tower block blaze yelled out 'hello?' and 'rubbish' as Sir Martin Moore-Bick refused to converse with their QC Michael Mansfield.

During his 45-minute address Sir Martin promised 'answers' for families of the 71 dead and a report by next Easter, adding: 'We owe it those who died to work together to achieve that goal'.

As he finished speaking Mr Mansfield stood up and said: 'Sir, before departing, I wonder if I may make a quick request on behalf of survivors', Sir Martin appeared to say 'no', bowed his head to the room and walked out.

The QC said afterwards his swift departure at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden was 'disrespectful to survivors'.   

It is hoped that evidence hearings will begin after Easter.