THE leader of Isle of Wight Council has stepped down blaming serious ethical issues raised during his watch'.

Councillor Andy Sutton resigned at a full council meeting last night saying it was the right time to let others take the reins of leadership.

His deputy Cllr Patrick Joyce has also stepped down for family reasons and denied his decision was connected to educational reforms proposed by the council.

Cllr David Pugh was voted in as new leader with George Brown his second in command.

Cllr Pugh said that creating opportunities through the very best education for Island children and delivering the highest standards of Island governance would be cornerstones of the on-going One Island agenda.

"It is an immense honour as an Islander born and bred to lead this authority," Cllr Pugh said.

"I am committed to our One Island programme that has already delivered great improvements right across the Island. I pledge to continue this work with the aim of ensuring the Island is a fantastic place in which to live, work, visit and invest."