Former Labour Greenwich council leader Chris Roberts, who quit local government following a string of scandals last year, has been criticised for "cosying up" to the Tories after reappearing on the development scene.

Mr Roberts' was dogged by controversy during his time as leader, with allegations of a bullying culture within his party and investigations into his conduct following a sweary voicemail left on a colleague's phone.

As leader of one of the most prominent Labour councils in the capital, his new position as deputy chairman of Cratus Communications, working closely with former Conservative councillors, has raised some eyebrows.

Mr Roberts is due to "lead on major regeneration projects" at the public affairs agency, which specialises in local public services.

But the news has sparked fears for the borough's many developments.

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Former Labour leader of Greenwich Council Chris Roberts.

Simon Edge, from the Greenwich Green party, said Mr Roberts - who sat on his own council's planning board - ignored residents' fears about the increase in congestion and pollution as a result of a new Ikea which was subsequently granted approval.

He told News Shopper: "After leaving the council Chris Roberts is of course entitled to earn a living.

"But if he is about to start advising developers how to get their way in Greenwich, that is depressing news.

"The last thing residents of the Royal Borough need is a well-connected string-puller making it even easier for massive construction firms to make fat profits from riverfront development opportunities.

"Chris Roberts did enough damage when he was meant to be acting in residents' interests; if he is now openly acting for the developers, helping them make their applications even more invincible without so much as a nod at the common good, we will have many more fights on our hands."

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Mr Roberts joins Sir Merrick Cockell, the company's executive chairman and former Conservative leader of Kensington and Chelsea's borough council.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said Mr Roberts' new appointment raises questions over his loyalty to the Labour party.

News Shopper: Unite regional officer Onay Kasab

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab.

He told News Shopper: "Now he’s going off and cosying up with the Tories, it’s absolutely appalling.

"All those grandiose statements he made as leader count for nothing."

A spokeswoman for Cratus Communications said the company has a "cross party board of directors" - but on their website all of the employees with a political background hark from the Tory camp.

On behalf of Mr Roberts, she said: "In his role at Greenwich, Chris Roberts led the borough at a particularly challenging time, securing numerous successes.

"During his time, many achievements and benefits were secured in tough negotiations with the private sector and also with City Hall and Whitehall.

"This required Chris to work and negotiate with Labour, Tory and coalition administrations to get the best for Greenwich, which he did with great success."

"Chris was elected by his fellow leaders in London to represent them on several London-wide bodies, including the Mayor's housing and economic development boards and in his final year of leadership, Greenwich was named council of the year."