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Labour is ready to declare its new deputy chief this Saturday, with surveys indicating Lucy Powell in front of the education secretary as balloting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Presented is the politics agenda for today, according to the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Speeches are expected following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are expected to descend on different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

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

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

During 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 seemed to question a command and control culture within the administration, arguing that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

The prime minister has already faced a difficult period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Welsh assembly by-election in Caerphilly.

The party's difficulties in the polls have sparked questions among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed supporters the Labour needs to adapt how it functions to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed cohesion, warning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and splits that could lead the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to invest in stocks 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, parliamentarians have said, after the party experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the security official involved in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is expected to be announced at 10am BST.