Asylum minister Marjolein Faber (PVV) is down to a single spokesperson following the departure of three communications officials amid rumours they are being prevented from doing their job, the AD reported on Tuesday.

Faber is also without a political assistant because the person in question is still waiting for security clearance.

AD reported that one of Faber’s spokespersons came back from a holiday only to be sent on “gardening leave” by the minister, a claim the ministry denies.

An experienced communications expert who replaced a colleague on pregnancy leave in September handed his notice a month later amid rumours that spokespersons for the PVV do not always get access to information and are not allowed to be present at meetings.

The ministry did not react to these claims but said the situation is a result of “a combination of circumstances”.

It is unclear when Faber’s PA, who is tasked with garnering support for her among MPs, will put in an appearance.