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The Labour Party is ready to declare its fresh deputy chief this Saturday, with polling data suggesting the Manchester Central MP ahead of the education secretary as balloting concluded on Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Below is the political timeline for today, based on the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: The party's deputy chief is set to be revealed in London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from opposing groups are likely to descend on different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from assembling in an East London area due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Counting begins to determine the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Key Points and Contender Stances

During the election race, Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a top-down approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a dereliction of duty.

If Powell does emerge victorious, the result is likely to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's leadership from party members.

Keir Starmer has recently faced a difficult period, dominated by a row 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 the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also informed supporters the Labour needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's favored choice, has highlighted cohesion, warning that voting for her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could lead the party back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Cutting the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have cautioned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for Labour in the upcoming council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour experienced a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two British men alleged of espionage for China.

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