Clive Lewis claimed he had not yet made up his mind when he was met by cameras as he left his house on the morning of what will be seen as a career defining moment.
In reality, the Norwich South MP had little choice but to resign after making it clear he could not back Brexit if Labour attempts to amend the Prime Minister's legislation were not successful. They were not.
Whether he likes it or not, this bold decision will define him.
If he wanted to dampen talk of a future leadership bid, this will have done little to quell that speculation.
But it is unlikely that it would be him that set off that chain of events.
There was no malice in his resignation and a genuine warmth on Jeremy Corbyn's part. Mr Lewis' reticence was a fear of damaging Labour's prospects in the upcoming Stoke by-election. It was no rash decision. But a quiet return to the backbenches is unlikely after he has secured his place in history.
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