David Hoare has resigned as chairman of education watchdog Ofsted just weeks after causing controversy by branding the Isle of Wight a "ghetto" where there was "inbreeding".

Residents were angered by Mr Hoare's comments and Isle of Wight council leader Jonathan Bacon said he would contact the Government to seek an explanation for the comments.

Mr Hoare was reported to have said: "'Most people go there for sailing for two weeks a year.

"There's a sailing club that is one of the best in the world, where there's champagne.

''But just within inches, there are people who live in a ghetto and we've allowed it to happen.''

He added: ''They think of it as holiday land. But it is shocking.

"It's a ghetto; there has been inbreeding.''

And Mr Bacon responded: ''David Hoare's comments about 'inbreeding' and 'ghettos' on the Isle of Wight are truly offensive to the people of the Isle of Wight and bear no relation to the facts.

''Mr Hoare should apologise immediately for these comments or provide evidence to support these assertions."