The government has indicated a decision on press regulation is set to be delayed until after the intervention of Sir Brian Leveson, head of the original independent inquiry into the press.

Peers at Westminster heard that Leveson has said he would like the opportunity to review the responses to a government consultation on the contentious issue and that this would “take a little time”.

The Conservative administration said it was due to publish its long-awaited response on press regulation – including whether to impose Section 40 and push ahead with part two of the Leveson Inquiry – by Christmas.