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Labour is ready to declare its new deputy chief this Saturday, with polls indicating Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Below is the politics timeline for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are expected following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from rival factions are expected to gather in separate areas of the capital after police prohibited Ukip activists from gathering in Whitechapel due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to reveal the new head of state of the Irish Republic.

Additionally, the Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson is conducting the morning media rounds for the Conservatives.

Election Key Points and Candidate Positions

Throughout the campaign, Lucy Powell often referred to mistakes made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a closing statement to supporters, 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 result is expected to be seen as a rebuke to the prime minister's leadership from Labour members.

The prime minister has already faced a challenging period, marked by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

The party's difficulties in the polls have led to doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to help Keir and our government to prosper but also told followers the party needs to adapt how it operates to improve the situation.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's favored choice, has stressed cohesion, warning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and splits that could return the party back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could increase home loan rates, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s local elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, MPs have said, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the only politician provided a testimonial by the security official involved in a controversy over the collapse of a case against two UK nationals alleged of espionage for China.

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