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The Labour Party is ready to announce its new deputy chief this Saturday, with polls pointing to Lucy Powell ahead of Bridget Phillipson as voting closed on Thursday.

Today's Political Agenda

Presented is the political timeline for Saturday, as per the PA news agency:

• 10:00 AM: Labour’s new deputy leader is set to be revealed in central London. Addresses are anticipated following the announcement from the winner and the PM.
• 1:00 PM: Demonstrators from opposing groups are likely to descend on different sides of London after police banned Ukip activists from assembling in Whitechapel due to fears of serious disorder.
• Saturday: Counting starts to reveal the next president of Ireland.

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

Campaign Key Points and Candidate Stances

During the campaign, Powell often referred to errors made by the party on issues such as the winter fuel allowance. In a final message to supporters, she seemed to question a command and control culture within government, arguing 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 Labour members.

The prime minister has recently endured a difficult week, marked by a dispute over the grooming gangs investigation and a defeat in the Senedd byelection in Caerphilly.

Labour’s struggles in the opinion polls have led to doubts among MPs about Starmer’s leadership.

Lucy Powell has stressed that she aims to support the PM and administration to prosper but also informed followers the party needs to adapt how it functions to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, regarded as the prime minister's preferred candidate, has stressed unity, cautioning that voting for her opponent would result in internal debate and divisions that could return the party back to being in opposition.

Other News Highlights

• Reducing the cash Isa limit may not encourage investors to invest in stocks but could increase mortgage costs, MPs have cautioned the finance minister.
• A wipeout for Labour in the upcoming council elections could spell the end of Starmer's leadership, MPs have said, after the party suffered a crushing defeat in Wales.
• The former prime minister was the sole MP provided a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser involved in a dispute over the dismissal of a case against two UK nationals alleged of spying for China.

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