Watford's Conservative Party has called for an “urgent review” into the appointment of the council's new managing director.

The party this week expressed its concern at the appointment of Manny Lewis following investigations into the former chief executive of the London Development Agency (LDA).

Yesterday, (Wednesday) senior Tories in the town handed Mayor Dorothy Thornhill a “dossier” containing information that they say casts doubt on Mr Lewis' appointment.

The dossier contains specific criticisms of the agency's leadership during Mr Lewis' time as chief executive – a job from which he received a “six-figure” pay-off.

During his time at the LDA, the agency became embroiled in the notorious Lee Jasper scandal - when an aide to Ken Livingston was accused of investing public money in projects run by his friends and acquaintances.

Following an investigation all charges were dropped and Mr Jasper was later cleared of any wrong-doing.

However, Watford's Conservatives have found further criticisms of his leadership.

In one report, by Mayor Boris Johnson's forensic audit panel, the LDA's board under Mr Lewis was slammed as “ineffective”.

At a council meeting last night, the Conservative leader on the council, Councillor Andrew Mortimer, asked Mayor Dorothy Thornhill to “urgently review” Mr Lewis' appointment.

However, Councillor Mortimer was advised, for legal reasons, to ask his question in a private question and answer session, to which the Watford Observer and the public were barred.

Speaking to the Watford Observer after the meeting, Councillor Mortimer said he was “content” he had voiced his concern in private.

However, he said: “My concern started the day I heard Manny Lewis had been appointed.“ Tributes were paid to the council's outgoing managing director, Alastair Robertson, who is set to retire.

Councillor Iain Sharpe, leader of the ruling Liberal Democrat group, said the council owed Mr Robertson a “real debt” for his hard work.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said she believed Mr Lewis had been used as “a political football” following his departure from the LDA and said he was again being targeted for political reasons.

She said: “The recruitment process was rigorous and thorough and we were all aware of the issues with the LDA.”

Asked about Mr Lewis' time at the LDA, she added: “It was clear to us that this was a political spat between Boris Johnson supporters and Ken Livingston and it is was an attempt to discredit Ken Livingston – of which Manny Lewis was the political football.”

Mr Lewis is due to take up his £130,000-a-year role as managing director inside the Town Hall, on October 1.