GEORGE OSBORNE was accused yesterday of misusing a grace-and-favour mansion to court support for his Tory leadership bid — and deliberately keeping the public in the dark.

The Treasury has repeatedly refused to publish the list of guests entertained by the Chancellor at the Dorneywood estate in Buckingham.

Labour suspects the taxpayer-funded pad is being used for “party political purposes” and has demanded total transparency over visits. The plush 18th-century property is owned by the National Trust — and £750,000 of public money is being spent on a refurbishment over the next five years.