Controversial MP Shaun Woodward has stirred another hornets' nest - by bidding for 62,000 Government cash for work on his 4m country estate, writes David Horne.

The MP for Witney - who switched from Conservative to Labour last December - explained why he, along with his wife Camilla, heiress to the Sainsbury family fortune, is applying for the money from the South East England Development Agency (Seeda).

He says it will help save derelict farm buildings on their estate at Sarsden, near Chipping Norton, and bring them back into use as offices.

But the MP's request for Government money has not gone down well with his political opponents in west Oxfordshire. Local Tories already view Mr Woodward as a traitor after his defection.

Barry Norton, Conservative Party agent, said: "Our understanding is that the budget is for farmers who are suffering. Mr Woodward is not even a farmer and, to all appearances, is not suffering."

The Woodwards' application to Seeda is part of a package of work at their home. In spring last year they were give consent by West Oxfordshire District Council to convert a stable block into two dwellings for staff.

Council planners, along with English Heritage, are also involved in an ambitious project to create an arboretum at Sarsden House. The 250,000 scheme involves paths, statues and the planting of several thousand trees over 15 acres.

Seeda's budget for this year is 500,000 and grants are normally to help farmers with diversification schemes.

Mr Woodward said: "Our architects advised us to apply for the maximum grant, which is 62,000. Of course, we do not expect to get anything more than a few thousand.

"It is like Forestry Commission grants. As far as I am aware, there is no regulation that says some people can apply and others can't.

"We need to conserve some of the old, derelict buildings and Camilla came up with the idea of good office accommodation in a rural location.

"I then suggested we should also have one of the units available for a charity and that is what we are applying for. The money would be helpful. That is what it is there for."

The couple, who have four children, moved into the 4m estate in 1994. In the 1997 general election Mr Woodward, a former broadcaster, took over from the retiring Douglas Hurd as the Tory MP for the Witney constituency.