Labour's Fresh Deputy Chief Set to Be Declared This Saturday

The Labour Party is ready to reveal its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polling data suggesting the Manchester Central MP in front of the education secretary as balloting ended on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the politics schedule for today, based on the news schedule:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are expected to gather in different sides of the capital after police banned Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Vote counting starts to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

Additionally, Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is conducting the morning media rounds for the Conservatives.

Election Highlights and Contender Positions

During the election race, Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within government, stating that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's leadership from party members.

The prime minister has already endured a difficult week, marked by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed supporters the Labour must change how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could increase home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s council elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, MPs have stated, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the sole MP provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is expected to be announced at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.