- The annual report on ministers' interests will not be published until May, sources say.
Lord Geidt , the ministerial sleaze watchdog, had previously said the report would come out in April.
The annual report from
The report from Lord Geidt, the prime minister's independent adviser on ministers' interests, had been expected to be published in April.
As well as the usual summary of investigations and issues of concern over the last 12 months, this year's report was expected to include details of Geidt's new responsibilities after Johnson vowed to beef the role up following a row over his refurbishment of the Downing Street flat.
New powers – which are backed by campaigners, think-tanks, and ethics bodies including the Committee on Standards in Public Life – were supposed to be in place by the end of March, but the government missed that deadline. One new power could include the ability for Geidt to be able to launch investigations by himself, a widening of the role Geidt has said he recognises the arguments for.
In December, Geidt wrote to Johnson saying he anticipated being able to describe his role "in terms of considerably greater authority, independence and effect" in time for April's annual report.
But a Downing Street source, granted anonymity to speak frankly, told Insider the report is now likely to be published in May. A second official echoed that view.
They said it was likely the report would come after the local elections on May 5, although it is not thought to be related to purdah, the pre-election period when officials are prevented from making political interventions.
Geidt is currently investigating Chancellor Rishi Sunak's declarations of interest, following revelations he held a US green card while in office, and that his wife held non-domicile tax status.
This is under his original terms of reference, without the greater independence and powers Geidt is expected to be given.This probe is not believed to be the cause of the delay, the official said.
Tim Durrant, associate director at the Institute for Government, told Insider: "Recent events have shown the need for greater independence for Lord Geidt, so he can begin his own investigations into potential misbehaviour by ministers.
"It is disappointing that his report has been delayed – when it is published, it is crucial that he has the powers he needs to do his job properly. If the prime minister has not agreed to these powers, Geidt's role will be further weakened."
Wendy Chamberlain, chief whip of the Liberal Democrats, said: "It's no wonder that Boris Johnson is dragging his feet when it comes to strengthening independent oversight of government ministers.
"Johnson and the Conservatives clearly believe they are above the rules, so the current system that makes him judge and jury on the
Downing Street referred a request for comment to the Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office declined to comment.