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The Labour Party is poised to reveal its new deputy leader this Saturday, with surveys suggesting Lucy Powell leading Bridget Phillipson as voting ended on the previous Thursday.

The Day's Schedule of Events

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

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Addresses are expected afterwards from the winner and the PM.
• 1pm: Protesters from rival factions are likely to descend on separate areas of London after police prohibited Ukip supporters from assembling in an East London area due to concerns of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting begins to determine the next president of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest MP Conservative MP Neil Hudson is on the morning media rounds for the Conservatives.

Election Highlights and Contender Stances

During the election race, Lucy Powell frequently referred to errors made by the Labour Party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. 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 wins, the result is expected to be seen as a criticism to Keir Starmer's governance from party members.

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

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to doubts among MPs about the leader's position.

Powell has emphasized that she wants to support the PM and administration to succeed but also informed supporters the party needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Phillipson, seen as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has stressed cohesion, warning that choosing her rival would result in party disputes and divisions that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the annual cash Isa allowance may not encourage savers to switch to shares but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have warned the chancellor.
• A wipeout for the Labour Party in next May’s local elections could signal the termination of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the security official implicated in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two British men alleged of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is scheduled to be declared at 10:00 AM British Summer Time.