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The Labour Party is set to announce its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polls indicating Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting concluded on the previous Thursday.

Today's Schedule of Events

Below is the political agenda for today, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the victor and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from opposing groups are expected to descend on different sides of the capital after authorities banned Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to fears of public unrest.
• Saturday: Vote counting starts to reveal the new head of state of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is conducting the morning media rounds for the Tory party.

Election Key Points and Contender Positions

Throughout the election race, Lucy Powell often referred to errors made by the Labour Party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a final message to backers, she appeared to criticise a command and control approach within government, arguing that unquestioning compliance was a failure of duty.

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

Keir Starmer has already faced a challenging period, dominated by a row over the grooming gangs inquiry and a loss in the Senedd byelection in the Caerphilly seat.

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

Lucy Powell has emphasized that she aims to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told followers the party needs to adapt how it operates to turn things around.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10's favored choice, has highlighted cohesion, warning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and splits that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Additional News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade savers to invest in stocks but could increase home loan rates, MPs have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in the upcoming local elections could signal the termination of Starmer's leadership, parliamentarians have stated, after the party experienced a significant loss in its Welsh heartland.
• Rishi Sunak was the only politician provided a testimonial by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the collapse of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.

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