Ofsted: New Boss Is Businessman David Hoare

The new chair of Ofsted has been announced following a bruising coalition row over the removal from post of Baroness Sally Morgan.

David Hoare, a businessman who is a trustee of one of the largest academy schools groups in the UK, will take up the post from September.

The Lib Dems were angered when the former Education Secretary Michael Gove announced that Baroness Morgan, a former aide to Tony Blair, would not continue in the role when her term in the job came to an end.

This intensified when it emerged the front-runner for her replacement was the Tory donor and Carphone Warehouse multi-millionaire David Ross.

Mr Gove was accused of attempting to politicise the role.

Announcing Mr Hoare's appointment, Nicky Morgan, the Education Secretary, said: "He is a proven business leader who has the expertise in leadership and governance crucial to helping Ofsted through a significant period of change and reform.

"He is also passionate about education and his work with academies across the country shows he shares my commitment to ever higher standards in our schools, for all children but particularly the most disadvantaged."

Mr Hoare said: "I look forward to working closely with Sir Michael Wilshaw (Chief Inspector of Schools) to raise quality in children's services and standards in our schools and colleges - especially for disadvantaged pupils.

"Ofsted has a key role helping to improve the leadership of our schools and the performance of our pupils."

Mr Hoare has also been the chairman of Virgin Express and Laura Ashley and is chairman of the Teenage Cancer Trust.