A radio presenter who called a Conservative councillor a "Nazi" and an "ignorant pig" has been sacked. An investigation was launched after the remarks, made by Jon Gaunt on his Talksport radio show, generated "a number" of complaints from listeners.

During a show earlier this month, Gaunt was interviewing councillor Michael Stark about Redbridge Council's ban on smokers becoming foster parents. Mr Stark defended the decision on the grounds that the welfare of young children should be put ahead of the needs of foster families.

But Gaunt, who was in care as a child, accused his interviewee of being a "Nazi" and an "ignorant pig".

A Talksport spokesman said: "Talksport terminated presenter Jon Gaunt's contract following an interview with Redbridge Council's Councillor Michael Stark on Friday, November 7."

He added: "The decision follows an internal Talksport investigation that was instigated following complaints about the content and nature of the broadcast. The radio station has apologised to the councillor for the manner in which the interview was conducted."