Former City of Melbourne mayor Robert Doyle has been given a last chance to respond to an inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against him while council has sought independent medical advice on his health.



The chief executive officer, Ben Rimmer, told a committee meeting on Tuesday evening the city’s legal adviser had offered Doyle a “final opportunity” to respond to the draft interim report.

Doyle resigned last month and strenuously denies the allegations.



The investigation into the sexual harassment allegations began in December.



“There is an inherent instability in a situation where the investigation is effectively on hold and where sitting councillors, City of Melbourne staff, participants in the investigation and the general public do not have an understanding of when the investigation will conclude,” Rimmer said.



“It is a matter of public record that the delay in finalising the investigation is due to the serious ill health of Mr Doyle.



“I have taken further steps over recent weeks to better understand this health situation but am unable to comment further at this time. These steps included seeking independent medical advice.”



Rimmer has said it was his intention to publicly release the report as soon as possible.



A spokeswoman for Doyle said he was still “very unwell” and would not be commenting at this stage.