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Labour is ready to reveal its new deputy leader this Saturday, with polling data suggesting Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as balloting closed on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Here is the political agenda for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10am: Labour’s new deputy leader will be announced in central London. Addresses are anticipated afterwards from the victor and the prime minister.
• 1:00 PM: Protesters from rival factions are likely to gather in separate areas of London after authorities prohibited Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Today: Counting starts to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Highlights and Contender Stances

During the campaign, Lucy Powell frequently referred to errors made by the party on matters such as the winter heating payments. In a closing statement to backers, she appeared to criticise a top-down approach within the administration, stating that blindly following along was a failure of responsibility.

If Powell wins, the outcome is expected to be seen as a criticism to the prime minister's leadership from party members.

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

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have sparked questions among backbenchers about the leader's position.

Powell has stressed that she wants to support the PM and administration to succeed but also told followers the party must change how it functions to improve the situation.

In contrast, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has highlighted unity, cautioning that voting for her rival would result in internal debate and divisions that could lead the Labour back to opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Cutting the annual cash Isa allowance may not persuade investors to switch to shares but could push up home loan rates, lawmakers have warned the finance minister.
• A heavy defeat for the Labour Party in next May’s council elections could spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership, parliamentarians have stated, after the Labour suffered a crushing defeat in its Welsh heartland.
• The former prime minister was the only politician sent a testimonial by the security official implicated in a controversy over the dismissal of a legal case against two UK nationals accused of spying for China.

The outcome of the deputy leader contest is expected to be announced at 10am BST.