Pedro Sanchez refused to accept Transport Minister Oscar Puente’s resignation following the Toledo train disaster, it has emerged.

Puente told journalists on Friday that he had placed his position at the prime minister’s disposal after the collision on Wednesday, which has left at least 74 people dead.

However, Sanchez refused to entertain the idea, allegedly saying it would be ‘unfair’ on Puente.

The minister said he will remain in office, arguing that taking responsibility means staying at the helm and ‘facing questions about what happened.’

Puente remains a close political ally of Sanchez and an influential member of his inner circle.

However, according to reports, figures within the PSOE believe his continued presence is damaging the party in what is a crucial period in the run up to the November 29 general election.

It comes as Frente Amplio leader Ada Colau has called for his resignation, while Partido Popular leader Alberto Núñez Feijoo demanded that both Puente and Sanchez leave office.

Feijoo accused the government of years of mismanagement and failing to replace an outdated railway safety system.

‘If they don’t resign, we will remove them at the ballot box,’ he said.