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

Today's Political Agenda

Below is the political agenda for today, according to the PA news agency:

• 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 rival factions are expected to gather in separate areas of London after police banned Ukip activists from gathering in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Today: Counting starts to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Positions

Throughout the election race, Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to supporters, she appeared to criticise a command and control culture within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a dereliction of responsibility.

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

The prime minister has recently endured a difficult period, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Powell has emphasized that she aims to help Keir and our government to succeed but also informed supporters the party must change how it operates to improve the situation.

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as Number 10's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and splits that could return the party back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a significant loss in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a case against two British men accused of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leadership election is scheduled to be declared at 10am BST.