Conor Burns might be fearing for his job when he votes against the government over Lords reform tomorrow, but Guido is starting to suspect that Tory whips’ hearts aren’t really in it. For 70 Conservative backbenchers to voice such open dissent – including loyalists that still actually harbour career ambitions – there is clearly little anxiety over the consequences of rebelling. And as for those LibDem boundary review threats… 

Peter Lilley has gone on the record saying that no whip has got in touch with him, while Jacob Rees-Mogg told the BBC: “I speak to the whips regularly but I haven’t come under any pressure“. Tories have been briefing the Lobby that their party capos have been nowhere to be seen:

Former Tory whip says he"s seen no evidence of proper Tory whipping operation to win over lords rebels #justforappearances

— norman smith (@Thehackandhound) July 9, 2012

Tory rebel tells me he doesn't know anyone who's been given "a serious bollxxxing" for planning to vote against Lords reform

— norman smith (@Thehackandhound) July 9, 2012

Dave ordered a three-line whip on Lords reform, but neither his backbenchers nor his whips seem to care. The power now lies with Ed…