Ex-London Fire Chief Andy Roe has been handed a life peerage by PM Keir Starmer, who hailed his “distinguished record of public service.”
From Soldier to Fire Chief
Andy Roe joined the London Fire Brigade in 2002, rising through the ranks to become commissioner in 2020. Before firefighting, he served as a British Army officer and worked with young refugees in London, showing his deep commitment to public service.
Leading Through Grenfell and Pandemic
Starmer praised Roe’s tough leadership during the COVID crisis and major reforms after the Grenfell Tower disaster. Roe was the incident commander at Grenfell, famously overruling the deadly “stay put” advice. As the first commissioner after the tragedy, he urged London’s high-rise residents to trust firefighters despite ongoing fears.
Under his watch, the London Fire Brigade was named the UK’s most improved fire service after the 2024 inspection.
New Role After Retirement
Roe retired earlier this year after 23 eventful years. He now chairs the national Building Safety Regulator and advises Transport for London and GB Boxing.
See the full list of life peers here: Political Peerages December 2025.
