The Foster & Partners staff member appointed as a specialist panellist to the Grenfell Tower inquiry has been forced to view proceedings remotely after being taken ill with Covid-19-like symptoms.

Inquiry chairman Martin Moore-Bick revealed the news at the start of today’s hearing, when he also heard submissions from barristers representing different parties in the hearings – which are due to continue for more than a year.

Moore-Bick said news of Thouria Istephan’s illness had come through “late last night” and that the Fosters partner would be watching proceedings from home and communicating with the inquiry team via email.

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