Before the by-election, Starmer was reported to have offered Burnham a choice cabinet post, should he win. That got declined, probably through fits of laughter.
Lots of "I'm not going anywhere" But behind the scenes, Starmer has continued to phone round, asking for support.
Based as much on protecting their careers and seeing the writing on the wall, rather than ideological issues, those people have been telling him it's time.
So, Starmer is spending the weekend to have a think.
His defiance might not make it to Tuesday, in a final u turn that sums up the indecisiveness that cost him.