The call was from Donald Trump. It came just hours after the US president met Boris Johnson at the United Nations headquarters in September 2017. 

Footage of the New York brush-by gave little insight into their chat, though the signals were positive – a warm shake of hands and a pat on the back for Mr Johnson.

But speaking to his friend Chris Ruddy on the phone later, Mr Trump was glowing. “I really like him” he said of Mr Johnson, according to Mr Ruddy. “I’ve heard good things about him.”

The conversation had only been brief, not even a formal sit down. But for a president who has boasted of being able to judge character in an instant, it had resulted in a tick. 

“Boris is unconventional. Donald…

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