An inquiry into the activities of disgraced paedophile former Kingston Council leader Derek Osbourne is finally set to be released - more than two years past its deadline.

Mr Osborne, the former Liberal Democrat leader and borough councillor for 27 years, was jailed in October 2013 after admitting possessing “abhorrent” images of child abuse.

The case prompted the then newly-elected Conservative leader Kevin Davis to launch a probe into his activities, which was expected to examine if he undertook any “improper” conduct while at the council – including the safeguarding of children.

From June 2016: Paedophile former Kingston Council leader Derek Osbourne narrowly avoids jail after breaking sexual offences order

From January 2015: Inquiry into shamed former Kingston Council leader Derek Osbourne yet to begin

But despite being due in December 2014, the report has still not been published.

Cllr Davis claimed the delay was partly down to the Government’s crisis-plagued sex abuse enquiry, which is also looking in the activities of councils and may call on the results of Kingston’s own investigation.

He said: “Release is due very soon. Because of the nature of the enquiry I must admit that I’ve not been involved.

“The Government are asking all local authorities to put evidence to them of any information.”

Mr Osbourne stepped down as council leader, having served as leader for more than a decade and as a councillor for 27 years, after his arrest in June 2013.

He had been an active supporter of the Rose and its youth theatre, and had led the council’s attempts to restore its shattered child safeguarding reputation following a damning Ofsted report in 2012.

A sum of £10,000 was set aside to meet the costs of the inquiry – expected to examine his relationship with the Rose - though the council has refused to supply an update on whether the figure has increased.

A Kingston Council spokesman said the costs of the would only be made available once the enquiry has finished.

Leader of the Lib Dems Liz Green said: “I don't understand why this has taken so long. The administration needs to inform everyone when a report will be published and what the full cost is.”

Mr Osbourne was released from prison a year into his sentence, but found himself in the dock again in June last year having breached his sexual offences order.

He narrowly avoided a second jail term and was given a four-month suspended sentence having admitted downloading and distributing child pornography.