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Labour is set to announce its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polls indicating the Manchester Central MP ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Political Agenda

Below is the politics schedule for today, as per the news schedule:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Speeches are expected afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to gather in different sides of London after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting begins to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

Additionally, Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the media interviews for the Tory party.

Election Key Points and Contender Stances

During the election race, Powell often referred to errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control culture within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

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

Keir Starmer has already endured a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

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

Powell has emphasized that she wants to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed supporters the party needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

Meanwhile, Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that choosing her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not persuade savers to switch to shares but could push up mortgage costs, lawmakers have warned the chancellor.
• A heavy defeat for Labour in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician sent a witness statement by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals alleged of espionage for China.

The result of the deputy leader contest is expected to be declared at 10am BST.