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Labour is set to announce its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polls suggesting Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the political schedule for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: The party's deputy chief will be announced in central London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Demonstrators from opposing groups are expected to gather in different sides of London after police banned Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is conducting the media interviews for the Tory party.

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

Throughout the campaign, Powell often mentioned mistakes made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down culture within the administration, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has already endured a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Powell has emphasized that she wants to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told supporters the party must change how it operates to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed unity, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in the upcoming council elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have stated, after the Labour suffered a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leadership election is scheduled to be declared at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.