A director at the organisation responsible for overseeing the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower has admitted instigating talks with future main contractor Rydon before its appointment had been confirmed but rejected the suggestion his actions were “improper”.

Peter Maddison, who was director of assets and regeneration at Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation for the duration of the ill-fated project, which led to 2017’s fire and 72 deaths, told the inquiry into the disaster the contact was vital to move the project forward.

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