It has emerged that former minister Frank de Grave was sacked by the DSB bank last May. At the time the reason given for his departure after only two months was that there was a “personal mismatch” between him and the bank. The latest revelation has been made in a reconstruction of the DSB affair by the NOS public broadcasting service.

Now it emerges that he was sacked by DSB owner Dirk Scheringa. Mr de Grave was reportedly so shocked by the bank’s bookkeeping that he asked a number of awkward questions. When he insisted on seeing the bank’s books, Mr Scheringa showed him the door.

The former minister went to the Dutch Central Bank with his findings. He says he played the role of a whistle-blower.

Another prominent member of the conservative VVD, Robin Lindschoten is believed to have been encouraged by the Central Bank to join the DSB’s board of directors so that he could do what he could to rescue the bank.

The role of former finance minister Gerrit Zalm at the DSB bank is part of an investigation into the bank’s dealings. Mr Zalm was Chief Finance Officer from December 2007 until November 2008. He is now CEO of the state-owned ABN Amro bank. Finance Minister Wouter Bos says he has full confidence in Mr Zalm. Mr Zalm says he will cooperate fully with the investigation.