Mumma B, my son was very similar at 2. Fed every 2-3 hours (and a few at night). He has always been a sensitive child, wanted to be close to Mum, lots of cuddles and comforting. Just over 2 and a half we were able to painlessly night wean (no milky until the sun comes up). I became pregnant in July and since then DS has dropped feeds dramatically. It quickly went down to 3 a day and now it is just one side to go to sleep at night and the other side in the morning when he wakes up.
I do feel this is a due to his age, development etc as well as the pregnancy.

The tantrum phase does pass - I remember it vividly! When they get closer to 2 and a half and their communication and comprehension is a bit better I found it much easier to "reason" with DS, offer other foods, distractions.