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Boris Johnson’s bid for his own personal plane was shot down in flames by critics today.

The Foreign Secretary insists it will help ministers drum up business globally as the UK quits the EU.

But a multi-million “jaunt jet”, which he claims “could be good for the government overall”, was branded a costly vanity project that should be grounded.

Speaking on a trip to South America, the Foreign Secretary complained the RAF Voyager jet which is shared by the Prime Minister, senior Cabinet members and the Royal Family "never seems to be available".

And he moaned about the drab grey of the plane.

Asked if he would like to have a "Brexit plane", he told reporters: "If there's a way of doing it that is not exorbitantly expensive then yes I think we probably do need something.

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA)

"The taxpayers won't want us to have some luxurious new plane, but I certainly think it's striking that we don't seem to have access to such a thing at the moment."

The Foreign Office currently has use of the Queen's Flight fleet of BAE 146 jets, one of which Mr Johnson used to fly to Moscow before Christmas.

He described the 26-seater planes as "superb... masterpieces of engineering", but said they were coming up to 40 years old.

Tony Blair's plans for a prime ministerial jet - branded "Blair Force One" for its similarity to the US President's private airliner - were dumped by Gordon Brown as a cost saving measure.

The Voyager began its work transporting VIPs in 2016, after a £10 million refit under David Cameron.

But he took only one flight on it before handing over to Theresa May, whose travels have earned it the nickname of the "ThereasyJet".

In order to keep costs down, it was announced the 58-seater plane would continue conducting air-to-air refuelling missions for the RAF when not in VIP use, and retained its military livery.

Mr Johnson revealed its multiple users mean it is difficult for senior ministers to book when they need it, saying: "What I will say about the Voyager, I think it's great, but it seems to be very difficult to get hold of.

(Image: RAF)

"It never seems to be available. I don't know who uses it, but it never seems to be available."

And he added: "Also, why does it have to be grey?"

Mr Johnson has been a prominent supporter of the campaign for a replacement for the Royal Yacht Britannia.

It is thought a Brexit plane could play a similar role in projecting UK "soft power" around the world.

One Foreign Office insider sympathetic to the Brexit jet idea told the Daily Express: “Lots of foreign ministers in other countries have Government planes but we don’t.

“We are trying to project Global Britain and we are turning up on official visits on EasyJet.

“The trouble with the Voyager is that no one apart from the Prime Minister and the Royals can use it.”

During the 2016 EU referendum battle Johnson sparked fury with his Brexit bus and its slogan promising £350million a week extra for the NHS after leaving.

Now he says he needs a jet after growing frustrated with scheduled flights on his South American trip.

He already has access to the PM’s converted RAF Airbus A330 Voyager, converted by previous PM David Cameron for £10million.

It has since also been earmarked for senior ministers and royals. But Johnson wants his own Foreign Office flight.

(Image: AFP)

Shadow Defence Secretary Nia Griffith said: “We need someone serious about representing the UK and engaging with allies in a diplomatic way, not someone looking for more opportunities to embarrass the UK around the world.”

Best for Britain chief Eloise Todd said: “The Boris vanity project continues. Clearly he feels chartered aircraft are beneath him.”

Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said: “The sooner this ludicrous waste of taxpayers’ money is grounded the better, and I don’t just mean the jet, I mean Boris Johnson too.”

A source close to Mr Johnson denied it would be his “own plane” – but added an aircraft to strike trade deals “could be good for Government overall”.

(Image: PA)

Speaking in Buenos Aires he said that while he plans to cheer the official Brexit date on March 29 next year, he was not in favour of official celebrations.

“I will certainly be celebrating,” he said.

Quoting the 18th Century essayist and wit Samuel Johnson, he added: “ I think it was Doctor Johnson who said: believe me sir, there is nothing quite so hopeless as a scheme for merriment.

“I don’t think we can impose a celebration on people. I will certainly be celebrating - I would encourage people to celebrate.”

And he poured cold water on the “Independence Day” Bank Holiday that some Brexit-supporting Tory MPs have called for.

“I don’t know what another bank holiday would do to close our productivity gap,” the Foreign Secretary said.

And he said in relation to plans for the Royal Yacht Britannia: “I think the arguments for Britannia are still pretty good.”

The source added costings were needed.