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The Labour Party is ready to announce its new deputy chief this Saturday, with surveys indicating Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as voting concluded on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

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

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from rival factions are likely to gather in separate areas of London after authorities prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to concerns of public unrest.
• Today: Vote counting starts to determine the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

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

Campaign Key Points and Contender Stances

Throughout the election race, Powell frequently mentioned errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to backers, she seemed to question a top-down culture within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

Keir Starmer has already endured a difficult period, dominated by a dispute over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

Labour’s struggles 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 must change how it functions to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's favored choice, has highlighted cohesion, cautioning that choosing her opponent would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, MPs have cautioned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a witness statement by the security official involved in a dispute over the dismissal 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.