@AaronBastani The soft left will need to find someone to run in a contest, possibly Rayner. Also would make a leadership battle more unpredictable and bloody if Burnham doesn't win. That could delay things, delaying the inevitable
@AaronBastani Exactly tonight is a lose lose for Starmer. Burnham wins and he's the one who beats Reform. Lose the seat, then if Burnham can't even win Starmer has no chance. Burnham will get credit for victory but Starmer blame for defeat. If Burnham loses, Starmer might last a tad longer.