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The Labour Party is poised to reveal its new deputy chief this Saturday, with polls pointing to Lucy Powell leading the education secretary as balloting ended on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

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

• 10am: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to descend on different sides of the capital after authorities prohibited Ukip supporters from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell frequently mentioned mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has recently faced a difficult period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the polls have sparked questions among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told followers the party needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as Number 10's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals accused of espionage for China.

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