The new chopper, expected to be an Italian-made AgustaWestland AW149, will be a replacement for an aircraft currently in service based at RAF Northolt. It will also be used by senior royalsA £50million helicopter is on order to ferry the Prime Minister and top Tory politicians around – paid for by taxpayers.

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

It will be a replacement for an aircraft currently in service based at RAF Northolt in West London.

It has been on hand to take top Tories to Westminster, frequently landing at Wellington Barracks, a few minutes’ 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 taxpayer money away so Rishi Sunak and his cronies can travel in luxury.”

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