Former Kingston Council leader Derek Osbourne has described the loneliness and boredom of being “in exile” following his arrest on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.

The ex-Liberal Democrat, who resigned on June 12, has been keeping friends on his Facebook page updated of his activities since quitting the council.

Mr Osbourne, a keen amateur actor who goes by the Facebook name “Malvolio Osbourne”, referenced 1970s TV series I, Claudius to describe his situation.

On June 19, he wrote: “I now understand how lonely and boring exile is.

“I remember that from I, Claudius.

“Still at least I am unlikely to look up and find a couple of praetorians with unsheathed gladii [a Roman sword].”

His last entry at the time of going to press was yesterday, June 27, when he wrote: “One of the frustrations is not being as open as I would like on the twists and turns of the plot.

“Yesterday was a good day.”

Several former colleagues have responded to Mr Osbourne’s entries.

Liberal Democrat councillors Yogan Yoganathan, Vicki Harris, Rachel Reid and Margaret Thompson, as well as Lib Dem campaign manager Roisin Miller, have all “liked” recent comments from Mr Osbourne.

Mr Osbourne was arrested at his home in New Malden on June 11, on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.

He was bailed until August. The day after his arrest, he resigned from the leadership, the Liberal Democrats and as a councillor.

A byelection for his Beverley ward seat will be held on July 25.