DAVID GAUKE today quit as justice secretary in protest against Boris Johnson’s promotion to prime minister, but critics say he is leaving behind him a prison system in “dangerous collapse.”

His Labour counterpart Richard Burgon warned: “Whoever takes over as justice secretary this week must go beyond the empty rhetoric that is the hallmark of this Tory government and finally make the safety of young people in custody an urgent priority.”

The socialist frontbencher spoke out as the chief inspector of prisons issued an “urgent notification” — putting a stop on new inmates and requiring the justice minister’s response within 28 days — for Feltham youth jail in west London which houses 15 to 18-year-olds.