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The Labour Party is ready to reveal its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polls indicating Lucy Powell ahead of the education secretary as balloting concluded on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Presented is the politics timeline for today, as per the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the winner and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are expected to descend on different sides of the capital after authorities banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the new head of state of Ireland.

Additionally, Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Tory party.

Campaign Key Points and Contender Positions

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell often referred to 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 command and control culture within government, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

Should Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a rebuke to Keir Starmer's leadership from Labour members.

Keir Starmer has recently endured a difficult period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

The party's difficulties in the opinion polls have led to doubts among backbenchers about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also told supporters the Labour must change how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage investors to switch to shares but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser implicated in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leadership election is expected to be announced at 10am BST.