Toby Young has resigned from the board of a new university regulator after criticism over controversial comments.
Writing for the Spectator, Mr Young said his appointment had “become a distraction” from the “vital work” of the Office for Students.
The right-wing journalist unreservedly apologised for his past comments which he said were “ill-judged or just plain wrong”.
A petition calling for his dismissal gathered almost 220,000 signatures.
The Department for Education said it remains confident the Office for Students will deliver for students.
Mr Young faced a backlash after his appointment was announced, with critics attacking his suitability for the role.
The columnist co-founded the West London Free School – which opened in 2011 – and runs the New Schools Network.
The charity promotes free schools in England – of which there are currently 475.
Following his appointment to the OfS, Mr Young deleted up to 40,000 tweets posted since 2009, including references to the size of women’s breasts.
Comments made about working class students, about “inclusivity” in a Spectator column in 2012, and remarks aimed at gay people, were also criticised.
