A row has broken out between senior Conservatives over the cost of London's Olympic Games.

In an interview with ePolitix.com shadow health minister Mike Penning has called on critics to stop "knocking" London's Olympic preparations and "get behind" the Games.

It follows comments from former Tory sports minister Lord Moynihan, a member of the Olympic 2012 board, questioning increasing costs.

Lord Moynihan told the Financial Times: "I regret those who see constructive contributions from the media or politicians or sports clubs as characterised by 'either you're for or against the Games'.

"It is simply untrue. We all want to make the Games a success. But we need to be transparent and listen, and reflect public opinion to make sure these are a very great Olympic Games."

Penning, a former Army boxer, told this website that it was time to "stop carping" and get behind preparations for the 2012 event.

The Hemel Hempstead MP's comments come ahead of a Commons public accounts committee evidence session on the Olympic budget, and just after plans for the main stadium were unveiled.

"I'm saying get behind London, stop carping, stop knocking London and the Olympics. This is a wonderful opportunity not just for London but for the whole country," he said.

"We have had endless whingeing that it's going to cost us an arm and a leg but this is a fantastic investment in a great event that will have long term benefits.

"This is a huge venture and there are bound to be difficulties but I have a lot of faith in Lord Coe and the committee to deliver this for London."

Penning added: "Lord Coe has explained exactly why there was a difference between the original quote and the final cost of the Olympic stadium.

"He is a straight up guy and though there were problems and there will be good and bad days this is something we should look forward to as a country."