Former state MP Kevin Greene poised to run for Georges River Council at September 2017 election

Mr Greene, 58, who lives at Peakhurst, has been under pressure from within Labor ranks in the area to stand for the new council at the election in September this year.

Labor sources said he was viewed as a political cleanskin, with no connection to the previous dysfunctional Hurstville Council and with no ambition beyond trying to help the community.

It is understood Mr Greene was concerned about previous processes on Hurstville Council and supported the amalgamation with Kogarah.

Mr Greene told the Leader he had “also heard the rumours”.

“A number of people have approached me and I am still considering my position,” he said.

Mr Greene would need to go through a party preselection process, but sources said he would be certain to be endorsed.

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In 2014, Mr Greene was reported to have expressed interest in being the Labor candidate for a by-election on Hurstville Council.

The party chose Brent Thomas, who said, in the end he was the only nomination and he was delighted to have the support of Mr Greene and former premier Morris Iemma, who was also rumoured to be interested.

Mr Greene was the MP for Georges River and Oatley from 1999 until the 2011 Coalition landslide win.

The outcome in Oatley was a cliff-hanger before Liberal Mark Coure was declared the winner.

Mr Greene was a cabinet minister for four years and held the portfolios of community services, gaming and racing and major events.

He retains strong community links, including being the president of St George Cricket Club.

Mr Greene has also been a key figure in events to raise funds for the Cancer Care Lodge at St George Hospital and the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation, and holds an annual sports breakfast for the Lugarno Lions Club.

He is on the board of Racing NSW.