As unpopular regimes reach their dying days they often become more and more extravagant, Caligula is famous for a decadence which rivalled that of our randy DPM. Idi Amin awarded himself more medals, the Ceausescus built more hideous Stalinist palaces. The historical pattern continues with Blair ordering not one, but two planes.

Caligula of course made his horse a senator, whereas Blair made Des Browne his Secretary of State for Defence.