As the 10pm vote deadline approached last night, Francis Maude was celebrating his birthday with a soirée in George Osborne’s offices in Parliament. Guido understands that Mad Frankie was slightly upstaged by his then PPS Angie “they’ll have to sack me” Bray. Sources in the room whisper to Guido that Whip Mark Francois made no efforts to cajole Bray at the party despite being there and chatting to her for some time. So much for that aggressive whipping…

Apparently Maude was angry though, not at the fact his PPS was rebelling, but concerned about finding a decent replacement for Bray given that almost all of the potential talent pool had rebelled.

At least any replacement will be über-loyal.

If they voted with the government last night, they’ll vote on anything…