Boris Johnson’s lavender list

Wilson and Williams in 1962. Photo: Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy

Lifting the words from his hero, Winston Churchill, Boris Johnson has joked often that “history will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” The prime minister better get writing quickly, as his conduct in these strange, surreal final days in office suggests he has learnt nothing from history.

Instead, he follows the pattern of his career in intending to commit one final act of provocative, convention-defying recklessness. Johnson plans to take a prime ministerial bow with an explosive resignation honours list, packing the Lords with more of his friends and media and political supporters. Get…