New taxpayer-funded £50m helicopter ordered for top Tories including Prime Minister

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The new helicopter, expected to be an Italian-made AgustaWestland AW149, will replace an aircraft currently in service based at RAF Northolt. It will also be used by members of the Royal Family

The £50million helicopter will be made available to the Prime Minister and key ministers

A £50million helicopter is being ordered to transport the Prime Minister and key Tory politicians - paid for by taxpayers.

The new helicopter, expected to be an Italian-made AgustaWestland AW149, will also be on standby for use by senior members of the Royal Family.

It will replace an aircraft currently in service based at RAF Northolt in West London.

He has been on hand to fly top Tories to Westminster, landing frequently at Wellington Barracks, a short walk from No10, according to an aviation industry source.

Lib Dem Energy spokeswoman Wera Hobhouse said, "This government seems to have abandoned its environmental responsibilities while throwing taxpayers' money away so Rishi Sunak and his pals can travel in luxury."< /p>

A £50 million contract to replace the helicopter was issued last March, with delivery of the new one due next month.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will use the helicopter (

Picture:

Liam McBurney/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Rishi Sunak reportedly used the helicopter for short trips between London and Dorset in early February.

Our source said the Royal Family and senior defense personnel will also have access to the new aircraft.

Mr Sunak's taste for luxury short-haul flights has already become infamous during his first months in office. In January, he flew a taxpayer-funded private jet to Scotland to launch “green” tax relief. And he was criticized for taking the same luxury plane for a 200-mile trip to...