A leading Oxford scientist who was overlooked for an honour in the New Year's list has been betrayed by the Government, it was claimed today.

Colin Blakemore became the first person to leave his post as chairman of the Medical Research Council without being recognised for his work.

It is understood Prof Blakemore, 63, had been nominated for a knighthood at least five times before, but on each occasion his application was blocked by senior officials, who thought it would have been too controversial to honour a man who spoke out in favour of animal experiments.

But Dr Evan Harris, the Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, accused the Government of "wimping out".

Prof Blakemore, an Oxford University neuroscientist, became a hate figure for animal rights extremists, who have sent letter bombs to his family home.

Dr Harris said: "There has been a great deal of support for Professor Blakemore to be given the knighthood he richly deserves. I have always supported him.

"The work he was doing on live animals was for medical research, was wholly legal, necessary and highly regulated. The Government demands and pays for this work.

"When he was targeted by the extremists, the Government should have shown its wholehearted support for him, not ditched him.

"It's outrageous the Government has wimped out yet again from honouring this man - it has undermined their support for science.

"I was deeply disappointed not to see his name on the honours list."

Today the Oxford Mail called at Prof Blakemore's home in Oxford, but he was unavailable for comment.

Prof Blakemore was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and became a professor aged just 35.

In 2004, when appearing in front of the House of Commons public administration committee after being overlooked for an New Year honour, he said: "It was a real blow - not just to my aspirations, but to the whole community."

He came close to resigning his MRC post at that time.

The row over whether he should have been recognised was ignited by a leaked memo that showed Oxfordshire tennis star Tim Henman had been put forward for an OBE to "add interest" to the honours list, while Prof Blakemore was excluded because of his "controversial" work.

Meanwhile, an Oxfordshire man who gave first aid to victims of the London tube bombings in July 2005 has been denied an award in the New Year's Honours.

Tim Coulson, 53, from Henley, was reportedly snubbed after being nominated by his wife Judy. He helped victims of the Edgware Road blast.

But, according to a national newspaper, the Government told Mrs Coulson honours were given for service over a sustained period.