Why has Johnson given Gavin Williamson a knighthood now?

[muriel_volestrangler]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/mar/03/gavin-williamson-awarded-knighthood-by-boris-johnson

The general reaction is "he's an incompetent arsehole, sacked not long ago, why give him this?" But I wonder why it's come now. Normally, knighthoods are given out by the Queen, at New Year and her "official birthday" (anniversary of the coronation, early June). The Mail (sorry) writes:

Asked why the knighthood was being announced now and not part of an honours list, Downing Street said it was a political appointment by the Conservative Party. Before his sacking, he reportedly told allies 'knows where the bodies are'.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10574539/Former-education-secretary-Gavin-Williamson-given-KNIGHTHOOD-overseeing-Covid-exams-bungle.html

Does Johnson foresee a vote to oust him soon - before the birthday honours (eg after disastrous May local elections), and he had to get Williamson onside with more than a promise?