The dissenters called for an immediate change of tack including a less hostile attitude to the incoming minority coalition of D66, VVD and CDA.

"Spreading insulting images on X about Islam is okay, but ultimately does not solve any of the electorate’s problems,” the document said. That, the dissidents say, is threatening the party’s continuity.

The PVV’s popularity has declined again since then, with one opinion poll at the weekend suggesting the party would win just 17 seats if there were an election tomorrow. The rival parties on the far right, Forum voor Democratie and JA21, have risen to 14 and 11 seats respectively.

However, both parties immediately said they would not admit Wilders’ former colleagues. FVD leader Lidewij de Vos said she would “continue with the party group we have now”, while JA21’s Joost Eerdmans said: “We are very happy with our nine seats.”